Beginner's hi-fi setup - any thoughts?
Over the next 2-3 months or so, I intend to buy the following set-up...
Denon DAB-39
Tannoy Mercury V1s
Rega RP1
Cambridge Audio Azur 551P/651P Phono Stage
That's about all my budget can afford. I'd be really grateful if you guys could throw some advice at me, in particular regarding these three questions.
1. Are there any changes you'd make to that? For example, any speakers available for the same price which are better value etc.?
2. The Phono stage - does anyone know if the 651P is worth the extra £40-£50 stepping up from the 551P? Are there better alternatives altogether?
3. The Denon should do the job of the amp nicely ( I think), but would it be better adding a dedicated amp? That may be a stupid question but I'm a relative beginner, so go easy!
Many thanks!
Too bad man 
I don't think it is a combination many people would have tried. TBH, with vinyl having something of an audiophile image, most people I know tend to pair a turntable with amplification (and speakers) that are more capable of showing what the format is capable of. While I'm sure that the setup will be ok, personally I'd be looking at amplification and speakers a few levels up as I feel there is a significant mismatch in the capabilities of the kit.
Having said that, I don't use a turntable so maybe others with more experience could chime in.
For questions specifically on the phono stage, have you tried the turntable subforum
http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/turntables-and-lps
Preferences§1234567890-=BackspaceTabqwertyuiop[]Returncapslockasdfghjkl;'\shift`zxcvbnm,./shiftEnglishDeutschEspañolFrançaisItalianoPortuguêsРусскийaltaltPreferences
I think you've got a good start there. The 550P will be more than good enough for that turntable and amplification. I wouldn't spend the extra on the 650P.
The Denon unit offers the advantage of giving you not just decent amplification but also radio and CD playback so it is a great way to get going. It should work very well with the Tannoy speakers which, by the way, are excellent. I can't think of any decent integrated amps below £200 these days so, unless you are able to up the budget quite a bit, I'd stick with your plan. You can always upgrade later if you feel the need.
Over the next 2-3 months or so, I intend to buy the following set-up...
Denon DAB-39
Tannoy Mercury V1s
Rega RP1
Cambridge Audio Azur 551P/651P Phono Stage
That's about all my budget can afford. I'd be really grateful if you guys could throw some advice at me, in particular regarding these three questions.
1. Are there any changes you'd make to that? For example, any speakers available for the same price which are better value etc.?
2. The Phono stage - does anyone know if the 651P is worth the extra £40-£50 stepping up from the 551P? Are there better alternatives altogether?
3. The Denon should do the job of the amp nicely ( I think), but would it be better adding a dedicated amp? That may be a stupid question but I'm a relative beginner, so go easy!
Many thanks!
I'm sure that your system will be perfectly adequate. There are usually always alternatives, but only you will know if they are to your taste.
Buy your system and concentrate on enjoying your music, not comparing equipment.
My first ever thread, and it bombed