Boy, you've let yourself open to opinions from everyone everywhere.
So, let me submit the voice of a music lover--rather then an equipment lover.
Contrary to what the print audio mags would have you believe, it IS possible to put together an excellent system for under $25,000. Well under.
First, do you have an audio technician close to you geographically? The vintage gear I recommend should be gone over regardless of what the seller says (It's mint!).
Now to the gear.
Get yourself a Japanese solid-state receiver made between '75 and '79. Look for ones 40 watts per channel and above. Pioneer, Yamaha, Marantz, Technics, Sansui. Remember, this is your first system. You can investigate tube amps later.
Next, turntables. The only function of a turntable is to turn at an accurate speed--silently. There are tons of vintage TTs out there and you'll be able to pick one up for under $200. Remember, this is your first system.
Next, tonearms. The only functions of a tonearm are to hold the cartridge perpendicular to the record, and allow it to move thru the record with as little friction as possible. You can get a new one for about $300.
Next, cartridges. Denon DC-110 ($140) Audio Technica AT-120 ($100) These are for new cartridges.
Last, speakers. Gone are the days when you could walk into your local hi-fi store and listen to a dozen different ones. And you don't know if you'll like the ones you just bought online. To start, I highly recommend the Sony SS-B3000 ($99 a pair at Best Buy).
This gear will get you into the game at a reasonable price. Afgter listening a few months, you'll be able to pick out the gear you want to upgrade.
So, let me submit the voice of a music lover--rather then an equipment lover.
Contrary to what the print audio mags would have you believe, it IS possible to put together an excellent system for under $25,000. Well under.
First, do you have an audio technician close to you geographically? The vintage gear I recommend should be gone over regardless of what the seller says (It's mint!).
Now to the gear.
Get yourself a Japanese solid-state receiver made between '75 and '79. Look for ones 40 watts per channel and above. Pioneer, Yamaha, Marantz, Technics, Sansui. Remember, this is your first system. You can investigate tube amps later.
Next, turntables. The only function of a turntable is to turn at an accurate speed--silently. There are tons of vintage TTs out there and you'll be able to pick one up for under $200. Remember, this is your first system.
Next, tonearms. The only functions of a tonearm are to hold the cartridge perpendicular to the record, and allow it to move thru the record with as little friction as possible. You can get a new one for about $300.
Next, cartridges. Denon DC-110 ($140) Audio Technica AT-120 ($100) These are for new cartridges.
Last, speakers. Gone are the days when you could walk into your local hi-fi store and listen to a dozen different ones. And you don't know if you'll like the ones you just bought online. To start, I highly recommend the Sony SS-B3000 ($99 a pair at Best Buy).
This gear will get you into the game at a reasonable price. Afgter listening a few months, you'll be able to pick out the gear you want to upgrade.