Hey OzBargain, first time forum poster here.
I've always wanted to get myself a music Hi-Fi setup and about a month ago after putting it off for years, the Audio-Technica LP3XBT was on sale and I picked one up along side some JBL 104BT monitors.
Now, I'm not unhappy with my purchases at all, but, since I've bought this my research has lead me to realize just how expensive this hobby could become. I recently decided to try the Bluetooth on the speakers and compare a few songs I have on vinyl to the Spotify versions. Obviously its going to be different but I was shocked at how much more gain there was on the Spotify tracks.
I am well aware that the signal generated from the turntable is tiny, hence why there is the built in phono preamp. My question though is what should be my next bang for buck upgrade.
Thought so far are:
External pre-amp - ART DJPRE II (everyone on Reddit seems to froth this)
Cart/stylus - Was originally thinking about getting a Ortofon 2M Red but now thinking just replacing the stylus with the VMN95EN.
Speakers - Obvious option, I panic bought the JBL's (I was hungover at JB) thinking about Audioengine A5+. I'd ideally like the sound to fill the main room of my small apartment and not have to sit in front of the speakers all the time.
Would love some recommendations anyone has here. I've got a AIYIMA T2 currently on its way here, it was a drunk purchase and didn't read that it wasn't a phono stage so not sure if its going to help with much or make it worse.
The biggest upgrade that the vast majority of vinyl users went for was to buy a CD player.
Sorry, couldn't resist! ;) I do realise vinyl has a type of sound (and not just dynamics) that some people appreciate, much like how film photography has a type of look and is all about the experience of the process.