New to the format. What do I need?

[t.james]

I just came into the possession of a Kenwood KX-71r and some cassettes. It seems to be in working order and certainly looks very clean. I would like to put together a decent sounding budget listening system but I do not know where to start.

It is my understanding that I should now be looking for an amp, an equalizer, and some speakers. There is so much out there, I don't know what to get and what I really need. Above all, I do not want to waste money on a cheap system if the outcome will be nasty to listen to.

I apologize in advance for such a beginner question. I could not find definitive answers to my questions online.

EDIT: I have found some stuff on Craigslist in my area I will likely go after:
- Yamaha Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier AX-500U
- Realistic 7-band Stereo Frequency Equalizer
- 2x Yamaha NS-A836 12" speakers
It's all used for about $80. I figure, I can always pick up better pieces in the future if I decide to stick with the hobby. I am not currently in the position to afford anything much more than this. Fingers crossed it all works...

 

[Max77]

You probably want to post this/search outside the Tape forum as it really has nothing to do with tape.

 

[classic carl]

I just came into the possession of a Kenwood KX-71r and some cassettes. It seems to be in working order and certainly looks very clean. I would like to put together a decent sounding budget listening system but I do not know where to start.

It is my understanding that I should now be looking for an amp, an equalizer, and some speakers. There is so much out there, I don't know what to get and what I really need. Above all, I do not want to waste money on a cheap system if the outcome will be nasty to listen to.

I apologize in advance for such a beginner question. I could not find definitive answers to my questions online.

EDIT: I have found some stuff on Craigslist in my area I will likely go after:
- Yamaha Natural Sound Stereo Amplifier AX-500U
- Realistic 7-band Stereo Frequency Equalizer
- 2x Yamaha NS-A836 12" speakers
It's all used for about $80. I figure, I can always pick up better pieces in the future if I decide to stick with the hobby. I am not currently in the position to afford anything much more than this. Fingers crossed it all works...

Welcome to AK. We all had to start somewhere.
Not sure why you think you need an equalizer. Some people are fans of them, others are not. Start with an amp and speakers and go from there.

For $80 though, the list you posted might be a good starting point. You can always sell want you don't want and recoup your money at the asking price. Make sure you can listen to the system to make sure everything works, including each individual speaker driver. There is a thread on the speakers linked below. The info I found online says they have cloth surrounds on the 12" woofer, so they should not need to be refoamed. Be sure the midrange surround is OK too.

That amp looks familiar. I had one that looks like that, but can't remember the model number. I bought it new and then gave it to my daughter over a decade ago. She's still using it.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/cheap-speaker-upgrade-mods-yamaha-ns-a836.493322/

If you post your location, local AKers may be able to help with some of their spare gear to audition. Another option is to pay the AK $25 subscriber fee and gain access to Barter Town, where we buy and sell gear and music. Good luck and continue to ask questions, but remember, any questions of value must be posted in the Dollars and Sense forum.