Hello guys!

[micgra202]

Hey guys Im new here! Looking to gain some knowledge.

I am looking for advice on setting up my first turntable rig. Let me give you the basics. I want a decent system, one that I can grow from but is still quality. I plan on putting it in a room that is 20'W by 20'L by 14' H in feet.
I plan on using a Pro ject Debut carbon. Pro-Ject Audio Systems
I have not picked out a pre amp and am not sure if I will need one with the other equipment.
For speakers I want to use 4 Mackie mr5mk3 and the mrmk3 woofer. Studio Monitor ? Mackie MRmk3 Series | Studio and Home Recording
and this to connect the speakers - i think it has a phono preamp in it? Mackie - Big Knob
Any recommendations on the equipment?
Also the room is set up to have surround sound I was wondering if I could use the mounts in the ceilings for the 4 speakers? I read something about sound degrading if the cord is to long.
Thanks guys!

[Mr Peabody]

First off, welcome to AR. The Big Knob does have a phono amp built in. However, the Mackie speakers are for mixing and I'm assuming near field, not what you'd want to use in a room as large as yours.

Then, what are you going to be doing, I would not hang speakers up high for sitting and listening purpose, maybe if that was going to be a recreation room or something. Most "audio enthusiasts" use one set of speakers and place your listening chair in front of them in sort of a triangle set up if you will.

Surround sound is not just having several speakers, it requires a receiver or preamp made to process or decode surround sound and direct the info to correct speaker based on what is encoded on the disc.

There are so many options, let us know your budget and how you plan to listen. The Pro-ject is a good entry table. As an example you could plug it into this:
Yamaha R-S700 Stereo receiver at Crutchfield.com

and use something like this: jbl studio at Crutchfield.com

I've heard these and they put out a lot of bass for small drivers, the horns sound great. The receiver also has a sub output if you need more bass.

As mentioned though options are endless. You could even do a surround receiver for both music and movies.

[micgra202]

Okay I will not hang the speakers, actually I think that ill put the set up in a smaller room. About 14' by 12' by 10'.


Ill do the pair of speakers then and add a subwoofer later on. Im looking to spend around 800 on speakers and not sure on a receiver.

Why are receivers so expensive?

Also do tube amps make a difference with vinyl, Ive seen mixed feedback.

Thank you!

[micgra202]

what about these?

Polk Audio TSx330T (Black) Floor-standing speaker at Crutchfield.com

[Mr Peabody]

I like Polk well enough, the model you link to is 90dB which would be easy to drive and ported to the front which helps with placement in a small room or next to furniture. You might also look at Wharfedale at Music Direct | Audiophile Hardware, Vinyl Records and Analog Gear | (800) 449-8333 that would be in your price range.

In most instances with receivers or speakers you get what you pay for in regards to your question on price. If you didn't need a built in tuner for radio you could get an integrated amp from NAD or Cambridge Audio, maybe Marantz for less than the receiver I showed you. Another avenue would be to buy used, find you one of those vintage Sansui, Yamaha, Pioneer, Marantz or Harman Kardon, I really like the Harmon Kardon stereo receivers. Used Adcom separates are the deal as well, would perform better than most I've mentioned so far and cheap used for what you get.

[Mr Peabody]

I forgot your tube question, probably not the way to go on a tight budget. You would have to listen to tubes to get a feel for them. In a budget situation solid state would most likely provide the best clarity and detail. In general tubes can sound warmer and give a life like presentation, more of a sense of performer in the room. As you go up in price you can find tube gear that can be as dynamic as some solid state but tube gear varies in sound just as solid state does. It's very easy to find tube gear that's warm and romantic sounding. For Rock or energetic music warm may not be the direction to go.

If you have stereo shops in your area you should go out and listen to everything you can find. If not, both Crutchfield and musicdirect offer return policy if not happy as most online retailers do, just check the policy for any return costs. Pretty sure the two mentioned have none.

[micgra202]

Honest option, what do you think about these products?

Yamaha R-S500 Stereo receiver at Crutchfield.com

Polk Audio TSx330T (Black) Floor-standing speaker at Crutchfield.com