Help, I'm Hi Fi Thick

[ginghamkitchen]

I'm a bit of a twat sometimes (if sometimes means all the time), and I make rash decisions that I quite often live to regret. I'm also REALLY thick and fearful when it comes to anything even vaguely technical. Case in point: I recently bought a new turntable and some speakers for the Mr Trebus style midden I euphemistically call my home office. I'm not an audiophile and I'm slightly hard of hearing so I didn't spend thousands, I just sort of went for something I thought seemed okay and I'd be able to set up with my thick fingers and head.

So - I got a Lenco L3807 turntable, and some Q Acoustics 2010i shelf speakers. I didn't get anything to connect those two things and now I've got myself in a tizzy trying to work out what goes into what and where and how. So - can anyone just tell me what additional kit I need to make these two impulse buys to work together and make music come out of my flat round black vinyl things. I'd be very grateful, especially if you keep it super simple and, again, within a couple of hundred quid or thereabouts.

Thanks in advance,

Paul

[Cacapo]

An amplifier maybe?

[ginghamkitchen]

Well, yes, but what sort?

[Kratgraver]

One with a phonostage or a lose one, not to expensive, cambridge I like as brand.

Amp:
http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambr...o-azur-340a-se

Phonostage:
http://www.whathifi.com/review/rega-fono-mini-a2d

I might also go for a better cartridge. But that's my opinion.

[Big Youth]

Sorry couldn't resist -


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoPXQ9fotZM

[eclectiktronik]

Pretty much any amp from the mid 70s to the early 90s will do. Just be sure to get one with a phono stage - with the advent of CD, some models made after circa 1992 didn't have the phono stage. You can use an external one but it's a hassle and adds more connections and cables into the situation.

Avoid A-V amps/home cinema surround sound things as these are mostly unsuitable for what you need.

Since this is a second setup you don't need to spend a fortune. There are plenty of used bargains to be had, stick to known manufactutrers like Sony, Pioneer, Sherwood, etc. Expect to pay upwards of 40 notes second hand. If buying on ebay go and see it working first. Local cash converter type places usually have some and you should get a guarantee.

[DRSMITH]

All great advice. I would recommend a NAD amp - they have never let me down. One from around the 80's/90's will be great, in your price range and have the phono inputs you need..

[ginghamkitchen]

Thanks, chaps, that's extremely useful.

[treeboy]

I had a spare NAD 3020 which I leant to a mate because his had gone kaput. Didn't realise he was going to connect it up to his granddads home made Dub soundsystem size speakers!! I think the smoke is still rising No use to you I'm afraid, but it was a pretty bomb proof amp until that unfortunate encounter.

[Moogaloo]

If you want new the Marantz PM6004 is very good for the price <£250 has a phono stage and comes in silver or black. I have one, though am not using the phono stage as use with a mixer

http://www.hifigear.co.uk/marantz-pm...TQ3Uex6Y_w_wcB

[tjh392]

Have a look on Gumtree, you'll be able to pick yourself up a good amp without having to spend a lot.

If you're in London here are a couple:

Denon PMA-250 SE Amp

Marantz PM-25 Vintage Hifi Amplifier

[eclipsechaser]

Have a look on Gumtree, you'll be able to pick yourself up a good amp without having to spend a lot.

If you're in London here are a couple:

Denon PMA-250 SE Amp

Marantz PM-25 Vintage Hifi Amplifier

And dont forget to trawl the booters. I often see old amps etc. Or put up a 'wants' post on your local freecycle. You will be surprised how much electronic equipment goes on there for free!

I'm looking forwards to seeing some pics of your final setup.

[Tsundoku]

Marantz stuff tends to be very good quality as well. I've got a Marantz CD player I've had for 25 years now with very few problems.