Post Your "Budgetphile" Vinyl Setups!

I will leave the definition of "budget" up to you, but the general idea is to post (pictures or text) your vinyl playback setups that are limited by budget constraints (either self-imposed or otherwise). I'll post mine below (picture to follow).

• Rega Planar 1 (2016) with: Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge, Upgrade Drive Belt, Rubber/Cork Mat
• Schiit Mani Phono Preamp
• Onkyo TX-8020 Stereo Receiver
• ELAC Debut B5 Speakers

a humble setup but one that I am very happy with. I would like to upgrade the receiver to a reasonably priced integrated or maybe even separates, but as per the thread, limited by budget.

Go on! Share your frugality!

 

That's a nice "budget" system you've put together. As long as it brings you pleasure don't worry too much about an upgrade path. Besides, it should be about the enjoyment of your music. Some of my most enjoyable music listening experiences come from my kitchen mini-system when I cook.

 

• Rega Planar 1 (2016) with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge and Upgraded Drive Belt
• McIntosh Mac 1900 Stereo Receiver
• Bic America RTR-EV15 Speakers
• Bic America RTR-EV1200 Subwoofer (Not Currently Using)

Total cost about $1800. The Mac receiver was purchased used about 12 years ago for $400 but costs close to twice as much now. Can't get a picture right now because window is behind system and the light from outside is messes it up. Will wait until the sun goes down to add picture.

 

Denon DP51f with Shure M35X cartridge
SPR-6 phono stage
Yamaha A-S501 amp
Tannoy 633 speakers

The TT and speakers were secondhand so total cost about £400 to £450.

 

This is my bedroom system

Rega RP1 with Bias2 cartridge and Tangospinner subplatter
iFi iPhono
Sophia Electric Baby integrated amplifier
Silverline Minuet speakers
Morrow Audio SP3 speaker cables, MA2 interconnects

I bought everything used for a steep discount, except for the iPhono and cables which I bought new for the primary system and then moved into my budget system when I upgraded. Total cost with cables was around $2,000. I would like to change the speakers to something a little more efficient like the Audio Note AX Two, but I'm not in any rush.

 

Tell me more about the tangospinner subplatter!

 

I have a budget setup in our living room that is mostly for background music and just filling the house with sound, no dedicated listening.

Rega RP1 (everything stock)
Marantz PM5004
Cambridge Audio S30 Speakers
Hsu STF-2
Airport Express

 

Polk TSI-400's
Technics SL-1900-Thrift
Lounge MK III Pre
Yamaha RX-V2090 Receiver/Amp-Thrift
AT150Sa Cart, besides the speakers this is the most expensive component I paid for

 

Amazon.com: Crosley CR49-TA Traveler Turntable with Stereo Speakers and Adjustable Tone Control, Tan: Home Audio & Theater

 

Tangospinner is fantastic. The plastic subplatter really compromises the speed stability of the RP1. The Tangospinner really solidified the stability and improved the pace and timing of the music. I would consider it a required component for the turntable.

 

Before I went insane and blew my budget, I was operating a

Technics SL-QL1
AT331LP cartridge
Hagerman Bugle Preamp
Yamaha HTR-5150
Polk RTI6

 

You should post this in the "Life without Tone Controls" thread

 

I had the following.

- VPI Nomad version 2 with integrated preamp
- Ortofon 2M Blue
- Arcam AvR350 (can be found with patience for about $300 used)
- PSB 600i speakers (about $150 used)

Sounded pretty damn good.

 

Man, I feel really cheap now! Here's my headphone-only budget setup:

Technics SL-BD22 ($50 including new belt)
Audio-Technica AT92e cartridge ($25)
Art DJ Pre II Phono ($30)
Schiit Magni 2 ($70)

I guess I'll count the headphones too, even though I've had them for years and use them with other devices...

Sennheiser HD598 ($120)

 

Pioneer PLX-1000 & Ortofon Bronze (formerly Project Esprit with Ortofon Blue)
Rega Fono Mini
Dali Zensor 1 speakers
Atoll In30 integrated amp.
I like the set-up so much I plan on sticking with the same brands when I next upgrade my stuff (except for the table, which I plan to keep a good long while).

 

Turntable: Music Hall MMF-5 with Goldring 1012gx ($275)

Phono Preamp: Lounge Audio Mk III($300, only thing I bought new)

Preamp: Carver CT-27v ($75)

Amp: Carver AV-505 ($150)

Stereo speakers: Klipsch RF -15 tower speakers ($150)

Subwoofer: Klipsch KSW-10 subwoofer ($60)

I also have a Pioneer Elite DV-45a DVD player ($20 w/remote) that I rarely utilize for my 2 SACDs.
I used to use a Carver TX-11 tuner ($50), but took it out of the setup a couple years ago. Its now stored in a closet. Not much use for a tuner these days. (not for me anyway)

 

My ~$100 "CraigsList-ening" system:

Pioneer SX-990 $40
Pioneer PL-A45D $15
Realistic Optimus-2B $30

 

In my profile, but I'll list it here:

Yamaha P-700
Schiit Mani
Cambridge 351A
Wharfedale 10.2
Two different carts, soon to be three.

 

Mitsubishi LT-30 from Craigslist - $275
ZYX RS-30-02 NOS from Japan $500
Pass Pearl 2 phono pre homebuilt
Pass F5 poweramp homebuilt
O2 headphone amp homebuilt

 

If you're thinking about this you really owe it to yourself to check out Groovetracer upgrades for Rega.

 

You're not serious, right?

 

I wish the Music Halls had some upgrades available.

 

Well, not serious as far as this bunch is concerned, but there is considerable nostalgia attached to old style portable record players.

 

uturn orbit with ortonfon OM5e and internal phono amp
Emotiva DC1 (DAC with volume control but with an analog in!)
Emotiva stealth 6 active monitors

Not too bad price wise nice sound and great WAF

 

Nice simple set!
I use the DC1 for my digital set-up, nice DAC