Hello!

[Edward89]

Hi all,
Another newbie here, looking to build my first record player system. Approaching this as a bit of an investment so looking to acquire things over time, given how expensive it is. I'm looking to see what I can scramble together, and I've managed to inherit a Cambridge Topaz AM1 and a pair of Sony ss 2030 speakers. The speakers are 30 watts at 8ohms, are they compatible with the amp, give the amp is on the low side when it comes to power? Secondly, I would need to change the jacks for the speakers to fit the amp, is this doable? In terms of a turntable (assuming the amp and speakers are okay, and after I buy a phono pre-amp) I'm debating between getting a Project essential 3a and a project debut se 3- I'm not really sure which, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Ed

[walpurgis]

Hello Edward. Welcome to AOS.

Your Cambridge amp has twenty watts per channel and should drive the efficient Sony speaker with no bother. Not sure what you mean by 'changing jacks'. The speakers I believe have bare wire grips and the amp is likely to have 4mm banana plug sockets.

Can't advise on those turntables as I've not used either. Me personally, for a starter system, I'd be looking for a clean and tidy Pioneer PL-12D turntable. Good solid units that go on forever with a new belt every few years. They sound OK too.

Anyway have a look around the site and ask any questions you may have, you'll soon find the right sections.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[hifi_dave]

Welcome Edward.

Shouldn't be any trouble with connecting amp to speakers, you just need some bananas at the amp end.

When considering trouble free turntables, you should add the Rega P1 to your list. Superb sound and build and comes complete with cartridge pre-fitted, so you can have it up and running within 5 minutes.

[Edward89]

Welcome Edward.

Shouldn't be any trouble with connecting amp to speakers, you just need some bananas at the amp end.

When considering trouble free turntables, you should add the Rega P1 to your list. Superb sound and build and comes complete with cartridge pre-fitted, so you can have it up and running within 5 minutes.

Thanks for your response Dave, good toknow about the speakers and amp. I went to richersounds and they offered me the project debut carbon for £300, which is only £20 more than the project essential 3a, so I'm very tempted by that, given the better cartridge. Hoping to get it this weekend.