Another amateur in need of advice


Hello all. I'm basically as green as they come, and am looking for some advice in putting together my first 2- channel audio system. Looking to keep it analog, with vinyl playback being the primary purpose of this whole escapade. If I feel compelled to stream something, i would just get a decent bluetooth receiver to appease the crowd of an informal get-together. 

I am looking to experience an "audiophile-grade" sound, but one that is also a giddy and involving listen. Some bass presence would be welcome (newb). In any case, I would prefer to keep the budget under $5k. First question - do I need an integrated amplifier? Can I just get an amplifier and connect the Lounge phono stage that I'm leaning towards? Or connect a CD player or radio tuner? Basically, does a power amp require a pre-amp, which it seems that an integrated provides? As far as integrated amps, I was first leaning towards the newer Rega Brio, but then I heard about the Rogue Sphinx V2. But then I read about all the noise issues with the Sphinx, which really turned me off from it. Noise issues would really steal the jam from my doughnut. The Heed Elixir seems to tick a lot of boxes, but it also seems that it really imparts it's own texture to the music. Maybe that's a good thing? A budgetary stretch - the Croft integrated looks pretty dang cool. If I only need an amplifier rather than an integrated for my purposes, any opinions on the Croft Series 7? 

As far as speakers, I'm as lost as the previous paragraph suggests. Right now leaning towards the Quad S-2, but was considering the KEF LS50 until I read that they sound best with a more powerful amp. Ditto for the Dynaudio Excite X14. And apparently the LS50s are rather bright sounding? Was not considering floor-standers until I found out that the Monitor Audio Silver 300s are pretty easy to drive. Every gosh-darn review I read only sends me deeper down the spiral of confusion and indecisiveness. 

My turntable choice is pretty set - the Mofi ultra deck with the better cartridge. Since it's $2200, it kind of eats up the budget considering the additional costs of cabling and, potentially, speaker stands. But it seems that it's the sort of component that I'll keep for life. 

I'd appreciate any words of guidance and wisdom! Have a good one! 
cleanshirt
Tls49 speaks the truth. Take some time to listen while keeping your options open. 

$5000 can get you a nice setup or start you on a road to ‘if I just had this’. In my opinion, anyway.

For instance, buying used could extend your budget fifty percent or more on some items if you know what you want. But even then, you need to be careful to some extent.

You’ll learn from the guys on here if you take the time.

Best-
gary
@cleanshirt Are there any dealers near you? I spent a lot of years buying used gear here flipping moving onto the next thing. After years of bringing stuff into my local dealer to repair and listening I came to realize had I gone there first taken their advice I would have gotten to where i am now more quickly and cheaply. That's even buying retail! Not sure that is an option but you said you live in a city, the more you can listen the better off you will be. Good luck!
Your room is going to have a lot to do with what you should buy. If you can go with planars Maggie's will blow the doors off many offerings that cost way more.  .7s are a great option. A quality source is the next most important piece.  If you stream do not listen to compressed tunes. Spotify, Amazon.. nope.  Tidal via Rune or direct from a server or mac set to the source (lossless) value, nothing more. I prefer direct from my server on a handbuilt usb. Get decent interconnects, speaker and power cables. Next spend some coin on a well reviewed 2 channel amp. The Kinki is an example of a real bargain. Makes sure it has enough power for the speakers you choose AND for the music you listen to at the volume you play it.
Take the time and set it up right. This is crucial and takes real time and experimentation or help from someone experienced. Last is a quality DAC. 

Good luck!