[Baron von Kriterium]

Originally Posted by FCAV

Figured it was best to bump this thread. Going to take the plunge in the next few days to piecing together my first setup. Nothing fancy, but debating between these two:

Fluance RT80
https://www.amazon.ca/Turntable-Adju...4-62c82ff200de

Audio-Technica AT-LP60BK
https://www.amazon.ca/Audio-Technica...4-62c82ff200de

Anyone have any experience with either? As a novice, am I going to notice a difference between them?

Also, anyone have any recommendations for an amp? Anyone with experience on powered speakers instead of an amp?

I wouldn't buy either in all honesty. I am skeptical of the many turntables available now in the $300.00. range. I don't believe the quality control is there and, in order to satisfy the profit margins of the many links in the supply chain, the manufacturers have to use cheap parts. I think you would be doing well to get five years out of either.

I echo Mick's suggestion to check out the used market. There is a nice Kenwood and several Duals available on Kijiji.

There are pros and cons to passive and powered speakers and there is no definitive answer.

In my opinion find an amp with the most power output that is within your budget.
There is a very nice Toshiba pre-amp/amp on Kijiji for 250.00