Time to report back on what has been decided/happened !!!
Thoroughly appreciate all help & advice from you all this week, and how much more up-to-date I am now and more towards what would do the trick for me.
Met a 'hifi' friend on Thursday and had a chat through everything that has been proposed and we popped into a couple of stores to listen to how some systems sounded/looked/availability and sales talk ! Another consideration became going for a more compact size-wise requirement for space at home ! Cost me a lot of beers for my mate !
Anyway, he said his brother-in law worked at a sound system outlet up north and would get me a really special deal so I put my life into their hands ....and cutting a lot of conversations short, I have now actually obtained the following system for a vastly reduced price deal - some of this may cut across the previous advice just a tad but we have moved forward ..
I now have:
- a new Marantz M-CR612 (with internet radio and other gizmo stuff) in silver/gold !! (for less than the 412 price I'm chuffed to say)
- a pair of ex demo Q Acoustic 2030i speakers in walnut with full guarantee !!!
Got it all plugged in and very pleased - the old Sony system has been given to a friend who accumulates a lot of old gear !
I am in an 'anti' electrical gear in the common black nowadays since had too much of it for years even though these are in most supply, wanting a bit of colour/brightness now.
Fingers crossed it will have been wise enough, but pricewise it hasn't stung as much as expected.
This now brings me on to a replacement turntable, sooner than I expected, as I gave the old Sony system away with the rest, and what a nightmare trying to choose here ! The usual endless looking on line at specs/price/availability etc etc.
So, if any advice it would be most welcome - here's my thinking..
- want a reasonable brand and spec, believe I need USB connection as well as phono ? Do I need/good to have Bluetooth ?? (but this can be an additional add on unit I think if required ?)
- don't want black finish(!!) maybe silver (or silver with bit of black) or am even liking the wood ones ! Grey or white could be considered as a long shot !
- not sure if most come with a decent needle/cartridge or should be considered as needing to fit a better one ?
- budget was going to be up to 250, but after going round in circles online would be willing to go up to 500 for a really surer bet !!
- been looking at brands Audio Technica, Teac, Riga&Pro-Ject ! or should I even consider a good secondhand (ebay ?) unit ??
Must have bored you all if you have managed to get here - so will stop here for now - if any turntable thoughts this would be greatly appreciated - it seems another minefield area with no clear winners !!! Cheers