The Phono input on the Marantz is built to handle a moving magnet (MM) type cartridge. A moving coil (MC) cartridge requires an MC phono preamp. MC cartridges have lower output than MM cartridges, therefore the MC phono preamp has to boost the cartridge's signal more.
As for speakers, the best thing to do is to go to some hi-end dealers and audition/buy speakers. This way you'll sure to get something that works proeprly for your special situation. The downside to this is the expense. However, it may be possible to find a dealer who is willing to cut you a nice deal and/or he may have some speakers in stock (perhaps trade-ins, B-stock, demos, etc.) that are favorably priced.
*If* you already know what speakers you want, then you could use Audiogon and the other websites to find a good deal.
Some speaker mfgrs. almost always produce very nice speakers - KEF, B&W, Revel, Usher, etc. It is almost impossible to buy a bad speaker from these mfgrs.
Here are some very fine B&W 805s that would seem to fit the bill:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1217017836
Here's a very nice pair of Spendors:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1216599936
Tyler Acoustics "Taylo" (these have gotten stellar reviews):
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1217713173
If you end up with ported speakers (very likely, most small speakers need a port in order to be efficient and to have decent bass) and are going to place the speakers on a bookshelf, be sure to get speakers that have a forward firing port. A rear port would simply get muffled.
Of the 3 speakers I listed above, I'd be inclined to go with the Tylers. Ty (the owner) has a very good reputation and the speakers shown have a warranty and a trade-up path...
Good Luck!
-RW-
As for speakers, the best thing to do is to go to some hi-end dealers and audition/buy speakers. This way you'll sure to get something that works proeprly for your special situation. The downside to this is the expense. However, it may be possible to find a dealer who is willing to cut you a nice deal and/or he may have some speakers in stock (perhaps trade-ins, B-stock, demos, etc.) that are favorably priced.
*If* you already know what speakers you want, then you could use Audiogon and the other websites to find a good deal.
Some speaker mfgrs. almost always produce very nice speakers - KEF, B&W, Revel, Usher, etc. It is almost impossible to buy a bad speaker from these mfgrs.
Here are some very fine B&W 805s that would seem to fit the bill:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1217017836
Here's a very nice pair of Spendors:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1216599936
Tyler Acoustics "Taylo" (these have gotten stellar reviews):
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1217713173
If you end up with ported speakers (very likely, most small speakers need a port in order to be efficient and to have decent bass) and are going to place the speakers on a bookshelf, be sure to get speakers that have a forward firing port. A rear port would simply get muffled.
Of the 3 speakers I listed above, I'd be inclined to go with the Tylers. Ty (the owner) has a very good reputation and the speakers shown have a warranty and a trade-up path...
Good Luck!
-RW-