here is what i plan on starting out with. i'm pretty settled on the rega with the nad 3020, just because of price issues, but am undecided about the speakers (leaning towards the missions...). i'd like to have a tube amp, but unless i can get something good & vintage for cheap, i'll probably end up getting the 3020. this system will primarily be used in a college dorm room, so keep that in mind when making any suggestions. i listen to mainly indie/punk stuff on vinyl, and like my music loud. if anyone has cheap suggestions of used equipment (it's pretty imperative that the total price of the system be under $1k), feel free to post them.
I used to own the Missions and they are decent speakers but with with the type of music that you like you will probably be happier with something else. I switched to the Athena AS-F2s and was amazed with the results, especially when you crank'em. Great bass from the dual 8" woofers and they don't need a lot of power. I used them with an old 25 watt NAD amp for a while but when I switched to the 20 watt ASL tube mono amps they really came to life. I put together a system consisting of the Athenas, the ASL amps, an ASL tube preamp (2004DT) and a Music Hall MMF-5 for $1065 including shipping (found the Athenas locally as a dealer demo). Almost all of my vinyl is indie rock, and as I am sure you know they are not what most members would consider "audiophile" quality recordings. Even so it sounds better than most of the systems I have heard for under $3000.
