[Die_Truant]

So I'm venturing into the realm of vinyl and I just had some questions about some of the gear that I was hoping some of you could help me out with.
Right now I'm looking at getting a
-Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable found http://www.insound.com/Debut-Carbon-Turntable-Gloss-Black-TURNTABLE-Pro-Ject-Audio/P/INS107461/
-Harmon Kardon HK 3390 Receiver http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harman-Kardon-HK-3390-Z-2-x-80W-per-channel-Stereo-Receiver-/390505069948?pt=US_Stereo_Receivers&hash=item5aebea7d7c
-Polk Speakers http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Bookshelf-Speakers-Cherry/dp/B000V2UBSI/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1354513487&sr=8-4&keywords=polk+speakers+bookshelf
 
I was curious if I would need a phono amp with this setup, even though the receiver has a phono input. Also interested in suggestions for different receiver and speaker choices.
Looking only to spend around a $1000 total, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NA Blur]

First let me say that the Debut Carbon is an awesome player for the price.  I have listened to it and compared it directly to other more expensive gear and it sounds amazing for the price.  Plus the carbon fiber arm looks awesome!
 
As for the amp the phono pre amp sound be fine, but if it gives you problems there are a ton of inexpensive options out there from which you can choose.  I think you will be fine as long as the phono stage is not damaged.
 
The amp may be a tad weak for some types of music being able to only drop 80 Watts per channel into the 8-Ohm A1 speakers, but it will probably sound just fine with 80% or more of what you listen to.

 

[Die_Truant]

Quote:

First let me say that the Debut Carbon is an awesome player for the price.  I have listened to it and compared it directly to other more expensive gear and it sounds amazing for the price.  Plus the carbon fiber arm looks awesome!
 
As for the amp the phono pre amp sound be fine, but if it gives you problems there are a ton of inexpensive options out there from which you can choose.  I think you will be fine as long as the phono stage is not damaged.
 
The amp may be a tad weak for some types of music being able to only drop 80 Watts per channel into the 8-Ohm A1 speakers, but it will probably sound just fine with 80% or more of what you listen to.

Would you suggest a better receiver, or a decent phono amp to go with the setup? Also are there any other speakers in that price range that would be a better choice?

 

[NA Blur]

I would go with a phono amp regardless.  Most phono amp stages in receivers are not that great and end up tanking eventually.
 
As for speakers you can always look here:
 
http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/2012-holiday-headphone-gift-guide