[DeanMoris]

Hi all,
I've been starting to collect/listen to vinyls with a Sony turntable paired with an old Teac amp my family got from Costco since the start of this year. The level of focus this mode of listening is pretty refreshing and exhilarating. Been working in the music industry for a little while and the fact that my set up is completely independent form my work-station is quite cool and wanna keep it that way.

is a pure vinyl set-up common (and sane )? or is streaming with all the connectivity between devices the hype of the moment haha

As a Hi-fi newbie, curious what would knowledgable veterans recommend for an amp!! (can spend around 1-3.5k usd, and if there is a great sounding integrated option would be simply superb ) many thanks in advance !!

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome to AC 
This the Vinyl Circle:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=32.0

[Zuman]

Welcome!
There's a thread on another forum under the heading "Can digital get to vinyl sound and at what price?" Now, people there often have six-figure hifi systems, and some have turntables that go for over $100k, so we're talking the EXTREME high end, but there are many who would support your vinyl line of thinking.
I began my re-entry into analogue about five years ago after a multi-year hiatus, and everything I bought at the beginning was pre-owned, usually bought from the classifieds here at AudioCircle, on Audiogon, or at USAudiomart. I've probably bought and sold close to twenty times from those sites, and I've never been victimized by a transaction. I can't say it won't happen, but becoming part of a forum, participating in discussions, and learning who's who as well as what's what can reduce the risk.
You can save a lot of money in cables and a lot of heartache in trying to find component synergy by buying integrated gear. That said, I was thrilled when I moved from a built-in to a freestanding phono stage, just as I was when I went from a built-in to a freestanding DAC.
My advice would be to get into the game at a level you can afford, but expect to find areas where you'd like to upgrade your system. Then, as you become more attuned to what individual components are doing for you, you can make changes as your ears and wallet demand. Have fun!

[nlitworld]

So you can do a couple things if building from the ground up that could help your listening experience and your $$ flow getting started. Not sure what your current speakers/room/exact Sony tt are, so some more details there would be helpful for suggestions. Also, music preferences? EDM & Rock would cater to different gear recommendations vs old jazz and classical.

But for now, back to tips. First off, if going solely vinyl, spend a good chunk on a separate phono stage. If you are ok with the quirks, go tubes to get the most out of that. Keep an eye for used Hagerman or Tubes4HiFi units as they punch way above their weight class. Also with that, NOS tubes are awesome so be on the lookout for good deals from reputable vendors.

Secondly, cartridge type matters big time. Finding something that matches your table and matches your phono stage, then splurge your budget. If getting started in a hobbyist level, a hyper elliptical stylus is OK, but look for micro line or micro ridge stylus shapes. Aluminum cantilever are basic and likely what youll find on most until the real high end carts but boron are quite the upgrade if you jump that high. Also channel separation you want >30dB rating. I'd say if you're serious, shop in the $500 mark to get into some solid MM carts. Something like the Sumiko Wellfleet would be good if matches your other gear.

Lastly, streaming/digital is fun for casual listening, but I find vinyl best for focused intentional listening. I dick around on my phone much less when spinning records compared to digital playback but lots of time here on AC playing digital. If you are going to sit and enjoy music to the fullest, put your phone away. Both mediums are enjoyable and can sound great, but quality vinyl rig can get spendy quick. Don't waste your time if you'll be preoccupied.

So, shopping list:
Good MM cart (Sumiko Wellfleet or Ortofon Bronze)
Hagerman phono
Decent integrated amp
Sub (if applicable)
Quality rca cables

Hope that helps give you some ideas, and yes I meant to ignore the main amp question as these would give a lot better improvement for starters than just upgrading the amp. 

-Lloyd

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I would look at the AVAHifi CA-1 integrated amp.  I just did a review on it on the Audio By Van Alstine circle.  It is a home run and would compare well to Integrated amps costing $4-5K.

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=189925.0

https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/ca1-control-amplifier

Pair this with the AVA phono preamp or you can spend more money and upgrade to this-

https://pro-jectusa.com/product/tube-box-ds3-b-phono-preamp/

https://avahifi.com/collections/for-vinyl-lovers/products/vision-q-phono-preamplifier

What model is your TT and what phono cartridge are you using?

A phono cartridge upgrade is worthwhile, especially if you upgrade the phono preamp.  I like Nagaoka cartridges for their warmer sound and punchy bass.  Something like an MP200 or MP300.  Hana cartridges are also worth a look.  But a lot depends upon your Turntable and whether it has a low mass, medium mass or high mass Tone arm to determine what cartridge will work with it.

Decent cables are a must as well.  If interested, I can make a few suggestions that won't break the bank.

Also, what speakers are you using?  Then we can make better recommendations on an Integrated to match them.

[WGH]

There is a nice used Van Alstine Insight Integrated Amp on the AVA website for $800. Give AVA a call to see if the Vision Q+ phono circuits can be added inside the chassis. The Vision Q+ phono circuit is the same as in the stand alone phono preamp they sell for $579 (minus the power supply, case, RCA jacks, etc.).
https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship

[johnto]

Parasound Halo 5 or 6 integrated amps have just about everything you could need. Rogue also makes great sounding integrated that fall within your price range if you lean toward tubes.
VPI makes outstanding turntables and you could check out Soundsmith cartridges they sound great and the rebuild is very affordable. I always buy gently used that way I can get much higher grade equipment than purchasing new.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

There is a nice used Van Alstine Insight Integrated Amp on the AVA website for $800. Give AVA a call to see if the Vision Q+ phono circuits can be added inside the chassis. The Vision Q+ phono circuit is the same as in the stand alone phono preamp they sell for $579 (minus the power supply, case, RCA jacks, etc.).
https://avahifi.com/collections/used-demo-and-quick-ship

The vision integrated is a nice amp but the CA-1 sounds way better.  And for $1599 the CA-1 is a no brainer in my book.  I also agree with Parasound or Rogue audio if you want to go the tube route.  The Parasound amps are nice but I think that the CA-1 sounds better.  AVA, Parasound and Rogue Audio are all American companies with good customer service and reputations.  AVA's service is second to none and their gear is built to last.

Here is a good site for Integrated amps.  Denon and Yamaha make some nice ones as does Marantz. Naim also makes great gear.
https://www.accessories4less.com/?type=&page=category&action=&id=integratedamp&mode=&search_query=&category=&thumb_sort=store_price.desc