Sound Advice: Tight budget now doesn't preclude planning for an upgrade later

Q: A friend bought the Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB record player, but has only enough money to invest about $100 on speakers and another $100 on a receiver. Can you recommend something for each category for around $200 total? My friend intends to upgrade later, but that's the spending limit for now.

A: This is one case where it makes sense to spend more on the receiver than the speakers. Start with Onkyo's TX-8020 receiver for $178 and add the Dayton Audio B652-AIR speakers for $59. That's only $39 more than your target budget, and it will sound good and provide an upgrade path when your friend is ready for better speakers.

Q: Is there a way to add Darbee video processing to a TV without purchasing an Oppo Blu-ray player?

A: Yes. You can get a small box called the Darblet DVP 5000 for $199 from www.darbeevision.com. The Darbee processing is quite remarkable, and it is worth it. You can see samples at the Darbee site. Just use an HDMI cable to put the Darblet between your receiver and the TV, or between your sources and the TV. I like to use the Darbee processing in HD mode with a setting of 35 percent. I suggest you start there.

Q: I have a 1980s-vintage Mitsubishi DA-L70 AM/FM stereo cassette auto changer system and LT linear tracking fully automatic turntable. It still works, but I don't use it anymore. I was going to take it to an electronic recycler, but a friend suggested asking you if it would be worth selling. What do you think?

A: It's worth about $60, based on recent eBay sales. There are people with the system asking $150, but no one is buying at that price. The actual transactions are taking place at $25 to $30 for the tape deck and $35 for the turntable. You might want to put it on Craigslist and see if it sells.

Frankly, if you can't find a buyer, I'd give it away for free rather than recycle it. It should be useful to someone.

Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at www.soundadviceblog.com.