One of the advantages of an audiophile living in North America is the abundance of audio components in the used market. Audiogon is the most popular of these high end audio portals. Back when I still live in Asia it’s a challenge to find a gem in that relatively small used audio marketplace. If you do, chances are it's not in a mint condition (mechanically, electronically and aesthetically) and if it is, they are way overpriced compared to blue book value.

Not the case here in Canada and US, the price performance value ratio of used audio equipments here is a bonus. They are also priced favorably (read “reasonably”) and is affordable by the average salaried Joe who’s serious about owning a decent sounding audio rig. Having said that, it is easy to assemble an el-cheapo no-nonsense starter analog front end for the price of what you will have to pay for a new personal computer. I know I have friends there who want to try the analog domain but are put off by the high entry price. Why not start with used and vintage gears. Here are some recommendations (if you live in the Greater Toronto Area).

Turntable – Thorens TD160 Mk II (CAD 325 with arm)
Cartridge – Grado Prestige Black (less than CAD 50 low hours)
Integrated Amplifier w/ phono – Used Luxman (made in Japan) CAD 250, or, Marantz 2285 Receiver (can be purchased around CAD 250 in flea market stores)
Speakers – Proac Studio bookshelf, JBL L40, Signet SL16, , Spendor (from CAD 300 to 500)
Cables – Buy used from audio dealers (CAD 100). Or, try making the Home Depot 14 gauge speaker cable. I tried it and it’s not bad. Of course it cannot compete to high end cables but better than ordinary cables marked as speaker wires that you can buy from Best Buy. (Hmmm, maybe I can write about this fun experiment experience in my future post)

Caveat:
[1] Sorry, no tubes at this price point and so don’t expect a tube sound but it will still be much better compared to many entry level solid-state based systems out there. However, you can easily sell your CAD 250 integrated when you are ready for the tube sound upgrade. But at least you can now start enjoying your vinyls.

Fun Factor:
[1] Of course you can always hook up your portable CD player or iPod in one of the many line level inputs
[2] Hook up your DVD player for that home theater like movie sound
[3] Tweaking your turntable for optimum performance
[4] And the biggest fun of all is hunting that favorite vinyl. Well, at least for me that is where most of the fun is. whether that is the $3 used vinyl or the $30 jazz classic reissue in 180g it is hard to fault the sound from vinyl.

Well, there you have it! Good Luck, and email me the result of your quest.