Vinyl

Its OK...no worries!!

Amp = Amplifier, what powers your speakers. Could be a receiver, which is an amplifier with FM/AM ability. I don't use a receiver in my main system, I just don't listen to the radio anymore at home. I use what is called an integrated amplifier, so it powers my speakers and I connect all my sources to it, sources could be CD Player, Tape Player, MP3 player and a turntable....This is where it can get confusing.

If your receiver or integrated amplifier is an older production model it probably has PHONO inputs on the back, if it is a newer production model it probably does not have PHONO inputs. If the latter then you need what is called a PHONO PREAMP or PHONO STAGE, people call them different. It is required because the output signal from the cartridge is so low compared to the output signal from say a CD player, it needs to be amplified to bring it to line level output. You cannot plug in a turntable to your CD or TAPE inputs, it will sound muffled and low volume.

The phono amp will boost the signal but also vey important is it also corrects for RIAA frequency curve used to create the vinyl albums. I won't go into that as it is detailed, you can Google RIAA frequency curve and read what it is and why they do it on wikipedia or other website.

The Ion table is just an entry level table and will play your vinyl fine, you could improve the quality and detail of sound with a better cartridge but that is your choice. I will not tell you what to spend that is for you to decide on a budget and then go do some research and best is to go to a hi-fi store and listen if possible,.

So once you figure out what you need then we can discuss more, speakers you can buy whenever and connect them to the amplifier or receiver you have now. It would be good to know make and model of what you have to make sure we can suggest good matches. Usually any upgrades you make will only get you better sounding music....sky is the limit but again that is your call.

Have fun!