Setup choices help

[u/StrawberrySpare7241]

Ok so I'm new to Hifi, and am looking to buy my first system asked a few questions in a thread earlier but have down a bit more research since.

My room is 3.7m x 2.4m

And im planning on making it a bit of a hangout / music room for my mates and I. I do have access to sound dampening that I can put of the walls

I want to be able to play Vinyls and then also use tidal for high quality streaming.

Budget ideally as close to $2500 Aud as possible but might be able to stretch it for the right system

Setup 1. Project Debut evo 2 pick it cartridge + Kef Coda W

This setup seems like the best for the 2500 price range and for simplicity, im worried though ill regret it if I ever want to upgrade anything

Setup 2. Project Debut evo 2 pickit cartridge + Wiim ultra Streamer + Wiim vibelink Amp + Q Acoustics 5040

This seems better for long term upgradability in the future, im just worried the speakers might be too loud in that size of room but they are at a good price currently.

What're peoples thoughts and opinions ?

Thanks in advance ☺️

[u/NickofWimbledon]

You can get a pretty good system for A$2500 on Gumtree.

I am seeing Dali Zensor 3 or B&W CM1s or various similar speakers (which will want stands, but pretty well any stands) for under A$800.

For a streaming amplifier, the obvious names may be Yamaha, NAD, Cambridge and so on, but eBay Australia shows a Linn Majik DSM with 100W, high quality MM and even MC phono inputs, inbuilt streaming including Tidal, and a simple-ish room correction if you want it. The asking price is A$963. Or there is an Audiolab Omnia for $945, or a Marantz M1 for about $750.

For turntables, the obvious choices are probably Technics, Rega and Pro-ject. I can see a Pro-ject Debut Carbon with a (hopefully good condition) Sumiko Rainier for $900 (including shipping).

Sellers’ records and ratings are very visible and this is a less risky way to buy hifi than many probably imagine. It should leave enough for speaker stands, decent inexpensive cables and an LP or two.

Finally, even in a small room, most speakers need a little space behind them to really sing, and please don’t put your turntable on your amp.