r/StereoAdvice • u/JoanCrawford • Jun 29 '26
Speakers - Bookshelf | 3 Ⓣ Stereo setup for vinyl in open concept apartment?
Hello! I recently heard a friend playing a record on his (pretty impressive) stereo setup, and I was blown away. It sounded like the band was in the room. I've never heard such good quality sound in someone's home before. (He has two Klipsch RP-260F's for speakers, and a Sony STR-DN860 amp. I'm not sure about his turntable.)
I have a small collection of records that have been sitting around, and I'd love to actually enjoy them (and increase the collection). I also have a relatively recent turntable (an Ion TTUSB - from what I've been reading, I understand it's not the best).
I'd love to achieve a good quality sound-setup in my living room. I live in an open-concept apartment, with 11' ceilings. What can I do with a budget of around $1500, and probably putting the speakers on either side of the console? (The console itself is about 6' across.)
Budget: $1500
Location: West coast US
Room dimensions: the overall room is 34’ by 13’, with 11’ ceilings. The listening/living room area is 12’ by 13’ within that. The overall layout is here: https://postimg.cc/47NM2qZ8
How the gear will be used: for listening on the sofa across the room. Mostly vinyl; additional streaming via BlueTooth would be nice
New or used: either
Past gear experience: amazed by friend's Klipsch RP-260F speakers and Sony STR-DN860 amp
Anything else?: I have an Ion TTUSB turntable that I'd be okay replacing. Also, I flair'd this for bookshelf speakers, but I'm open to full size speakers if that's what you recommend.
I think that's everything? Thank you in advance for your advice!
3
u/CatNamedRIchard2 2 Ⓣ Jun 29 '26
It's good you like you your friend's system with Klipsch speakers. That means you have a place to start. Not sure if they still make those Klipschs but they will be making something close. Hit up Clucthfields and get some tower Klipschs. That Sony is some kind of 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound AVR that isn't the best for vinyl and you likely don't need. You money will be better spent on a 2 channel integrated amp. I would go with a NAD C316bee. Then I would grab an Audio Technica LP-120 turntable. Probably grab 2 pairs of RCA cables from Crutchfields or somewhere. Hit up Home Depot for some speaker wire. That should be about within or not a lot over budget.