Hello all!

I have been somewhat threatened by my fiancée that she'd buy me a turntable set up that I've been wanting for so long. She was going to go with a basic one with some speakers along with it but me being me, wanted a full "nice" setup.

I've done some research and with a lot of reading what /u/sharkamino has listed (thank you, you're AMAZING) - I've kind of narrowed down what I'm trying to aim for.

I'd like to keep the budget around $600 but can go up another hundred or so.

I am fairly set on getting a Fluance RT-82.

I'd like to keep the setup fairly minimal but have no real preference between powered and passive speakers - though it seems the passive speakers may be a better long-term buy? I'm in the SF Bay Area and found some stuff around here that could be good deals but I really have no reference point.

I have an Art DJ Pre II on the list - but have also seen an Aiyima A07 suggested for passive speakers. I found a Sony STR-DH190 for $110 around my area.

I am having trouble figuring out a good set of speakers. Any suggestions in the ~$200-300 price range that fit the bill or that I may be able to find on Craigslist?

Seems like the Monolith Encore B5 that /u/sharkamino posted in their guide look to be a great deal atm. Is there a "minimum" for the amp to run this?