jk471993 Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 I have quite rapidly become disillusioned by solely listening to 128kbps mp3s from my laptop and have decided to start playing vinyl. A bit of research has been done into different combinations of equipment and a deal has come up where I can buy: -Pro-Ject Debut Carbon -Marantz PM6004 -Monitor Audio BX2 for £669.90, new and including P&P. Is this a good deal and decent arsenal to begin with, having in mind that I was not going to spend more than £500 initially? What is the weakest link in the chain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted June 27, 2013 Share Posted June 27, 2013 A solid deal I guess. Basically it's two of these at full retail and one at 50% off. The weakest link is pretty much the phono stage on that Marantz, so adding a separate one down the road would be a good idea, but other than that a really good combo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jk471993 Posted June 27, 2013 Author Share Posted June 27, 2013 A solid deal I guess. Basically it's two of these at full retail and one at 50% off. The weakest link is pretty much the phono stage on that Marantz, so adding a separate one down the road would be a good idea, but other than that a really good combo. Thanks for the speedy reply, slinch. What separate pre-amp would you recommend in line with what I have already spent/chosen? It is probably hard to say, but what sonic difference would there be if I were to get one? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slinch Posted June 28, 2013 Share Posted June 28, 2013 Something like this would perfectly complement the rest of the gear: http://www.hificorner.co.uk/graham-slee-gram-amp-2-communicator.html Going cheaper the only worthwile option would be this one (though it wouldn't let you get the most out of the 2M red): http://www.amazon.co.uk/PROJECT-PHONO-TURNTABLE-PRE-AMPLIFIER-BLACK/dp/B000CR6RP8 The most notable difference between the phono stage in the marantz and a separate one is lower noise floor, higher dynamic range and much cleaner mid- and high- frequencies. The overall sound quality improves as well of course, but more subtly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jk471993 Posted June 28, 2013 Author Share Posted June 28, 2013 Something like this would perfectly complement the rest of the gear: http://www.hificorner.co.uk/graham-slee-gram-amp-2-communicator.html Going cheaper the only worthwile option would be this one (though it wouldn't let you get the most out of the 2M red): http://www.amazon.co.uk/PROJECT-PHONO-TURNTABLE-PRE-AMPLIFIER-BLACK/dp/B000CR6RP8 The most notable difference between the phono stage in the marantz and a separate one is lower noise floor, higher dynamic range and much cleaner mid- and high- frequencies. The overall sound quality improves as well of course, but more subtly. Thanks for the added advice. I might buy that Graham Slee model later due to the decent deal I got but for now I'm going on a vinyl spending spree. Strangeways, Here We Come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piky0032 Posted July 3, 2013 Share Posted July 3, 2013 Bump on this thread instead of making another...... Currently running - - project carbon - wharfedale diamonds 10.1 - the weak link - technics amp hand me down The amp has definitely had a good run.... Its not awful but very much in need of a new amp. Have been looking at and am very keen on the PM6004.... Seems going off the above i would also need to splash out on a good phono pre amp as well (which i have no issue with) Was wondering if there was anything else in the same price range (amp+phono) that i should also have a look at......... Also will the Wharfedale 10.1s be a gpod match to the Marantz 6004 mentioned above Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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