This has been some journey people.

Oli - Only just saw that picture of the JBL DD55000. Literally lmao. One day! Look like its 10k each one on Ebay. Its not out of the question but will take me a long time - or maybe teachers will finally get bankers wages. Never know...

Just showing you how ridiculous this lark can be lol

This is a distillation of everyones input that has been sincerely appreciated. Ive said it before but it really makes you believe in humanity all this outpouring of wisdom to an ignorant stranger asking for help.

Amp: it doesn't sound like (unless I stump up 20k for the DD55000s - which is to some extent the dream but not possible) I need the power of the Krell KSA100 and I should actually, given my budgetary constrictions go for the Sansui AU-919 amplifier. This feels like a good fix and its nice to see some consensus here. I like the look of it and have faith in Bigman80 (Oli's) advice - particularly given that he is literally doing himself out of work. Appreciate it bud.

There's no point going mental at the minute when HiEnd can be done in one box. This isnt always the case but my opinion is that for a first proper setup, an amplifier like the 919 would be perfect for you to use and keep your budget free for arguably the most important bit......the speakers!

Oli I know you said that your friend would be potentially be appalled at the refurbishment is this one going to be spoilt too? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sansui-AU...8AAOSwFalccrrv

Beautiful but over priced IMO. Send Phonomac a PM and ask if he has a Sansui for sale. Last time i was at his place, he had more than 5 Sansui amps stashed away lol. Robbie Gong (member here) Has bought amps via Angus (Phonomac) before and will happily suggest a good model to look out for too.

Speakers: Right now it is the Tannoy 15 DMT II, Tannoy Arden or the JBL 4367 or 4365s. I know that the last two are significantly out of my budget but Ive got a good mind to listen to Macca and just start saving. If anyone knows a reputable person who has any of these for sale please let me know. Even if its in six months!!!

Equalizer: Here what Macca is saying about suddenly seeing what it should have sounded like all along and not needing to f with the levels but I still feel like it might need it so am keen to hear his and Mr. Ian's advice and get Klarke Technik. Adrian is this same company your talking about? Is this Technics SH-8075 better?

You wont need this with a Sansui, it has tone controls so you can exert some fine tuning with them. More budget saved.

Oli what does this mean? New cart like the AT95: £100? Is this the Cartridge for the TT that people keep referring to?

Yes, an absolute rock solid performer for a ridiculously low price. I had one for a long time and there was nothing it didn't do well. Obviously, there's better but get one of these to start with for your new 1210 TT

Turntable: I am inclined to listen to Macca again on this one and stump up for the SL1200GR. I know this will hurt my budget but somehow I think this whole thing deserves another year saving...

Yes, it's great value BUT there was a 1210 Mk2 for sale recently with Origin Live tonearm for sale at £400 recently. You aren't gonna go wrong with it. I'd wait to see if a used one comes available if you must have one of the GR's.

That said if anyone hears of those models of speakers around for a good price and in good shape I will find the money immediately!

Just a general question if I end up going for the more expensive JBLs - say the 4365 - should I have stumped for the beefy Krell in the first place or is the Sansui still going to work?

I have heard it said on multiple occasions that Tannoys are not fantastic with Solid state amplifiers like the Sansui BUT i haven't heard it so couldn't be 100% sure about it. Again, Macca or Walpurgis are the JBL & Tannoy speaker guru's.

Shahsy - lets continue this chat in private. You seem to know a tonne more than me and I look forward to sharing some killer cuts. Unless anyone wants to here us clash!?

Spent the afternoon teaching Reception PE. A world away from this forum although I've been waiting all day to get back here. Thank you all so much!!

Last question: Do I need gold plated speaker cables or something - someone told me that once!

I'll hook you up for cables when you're ready. Don't spend silly money. No point spending £4k on a system and putting bell wire on the speakers but you don't need high priced nonsense either. !! I have a few cables that we can discuss. No rush.