• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Best phono preamp for under $100

W

wheresbrando

New Member
Hello all, i've got a question regarding preamps.

recently got a new HK 254 receiver for christmas and found an old AIWA AP-D50u TT in my basement. I picked up my first batch of vinyls and when i went to listen to them via RCA input they played super quiet.

First of all im assuming i need a phono preamp even though there's both a phono cord and RCA(with ground wire) coming out of the TT. my receiver of course has the analog inputs but the only thing i saw close to resembling a phono in was a stereo jack.

SO that being said... could anyone recommend a preamp for under $100? i'm really strapped for cash after spending 50 on vinyls and 150 on a pair of Polk RT12 speakers. Ive read a bit on the less-expensive ones (DIY bugle, TC-750, etc.) but aren't really sure what I would want to get. I'm not looking for anything super high-quality (best bang for buck in this case, obviously) but i really would like one that works well. I'm a huge fan of music over movies so whatever sounds the best/most ?neutral? would be preferred. also multi-channel would be a plus since i'm a center and a sub away from 7.1 (2 bose 141, 2 energy c-50, two polk rt12). A volume knob would also help but if im only using it for my TT a standard gain (which is on avg how many dB out of curiosity?) would be ok. My roommate at college is an EE major so some minor soldering wouldn't really be a problem (bribe him with a six pack... but i know nothing really about circuit boards)

if anyone has any advice i would REALLY appreciate it. also any comments/suggestions for my setup would be cool too, would be nice to know where i stand in terms of sound quality, as i am just getting into the hobby of acquiring good audio equipment (on a budget of course).

Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
So are you looking for a surround unit or just a phono? There isnt a multi channel phono pre, that simulated surround will just matrix from a surround sound Processor/reciever. If you are looking for a good cheap phono check out Creek units as they go pretty cheap. So exactly what are you looking for a stand alone phono pre or a surround reciever with a phono input or a surround pre amp with phono?
If you are looking for a surround pre do you have or know you also need an amp??
 
essentially i just need a phono preamp.

just to listen to my records.

i wasn't aware that those didn't come in multi-channel. so i guess multi-channel isn't necessary.

but turntable --> (phono preamp) --> my HK 254 receiver is what im looking for. the most basic of the basic but with decent sound quality if thats possible.
 
Creek is always an option, Parasound PPH-100 is on sale on Audiogon.com right now for $50.00. Cambridge Audio 540p for $100 there aswell. NAD PP2 sells for around $100 also. Any of these will get the job done nicely for Moving Magnet carts and some Hi output coils.
 
PS if your new to this, Audiogon.com has forums like this site for info but is really the EBAY of stereo gear.
 
chadnliz said:
Creek is always an option, Parasound PPH-100 is on sale on Audiogon.com right now for $50.00. Cambridge Audio 540p for $100 there aswell. NAD PP2 sells for around $100 also. Any of these will get the job done nicely for Moving Magnet carts and some Hi output coils.
Click to expand...

Good advice :thmbsp:

marc mc
 
That parasound on audiogon.com is looking pretty good for what im looking for, and it got good reviews on audioreview which i appreciate.

as far as the tc-750 is concerned i've read mixed reviews on them... they go for around 45-60 correct? for some reason my gut is just telling me that the parasound (or anything on audiogon) would be a better bet.
 
wheresbrando said:
That parasound on audiogon.com is looking pretty good for what im looking for, and it got good reviews on audioreview which i appreciate.

as far as the tc-750 is concerned i've read mixed reviews on them... they go for around 45-60 correct? for some reason my gut is just telling me that the parasound (or anything on audiogon) would be a better bet.
Click to expand...

I have the TC754 and it sounds excellent:thmbsp:
 
I think the Parasound preamps are very underrated....they make/made excellent products. I don't think you would be disappointed....a
 
goldwax said:
Is this the one, by chance?
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/mer..._Code=LG&Product_Code=ATPEQ3&Category_Code=PP
Click to expand...

Oh, I didn't notice that!

I pointed a coworker to that unit a couple months ago when he needed help getting his mothballed TT up to snuff, but of course the review hadn't been posted yet.

Wonder if it would be noticeably better than the phono section on my Kenwood KR-7600.

I wonder if I should by one just for the hell of it. AT jacked up the price on the 440MLa when it started getting a lot of attention. Wonder if they'd do the same for this preamp.
 
I believe that's the one. I did a quick search of Stereophile online and didn't see it. But I remembered reading this in the December issue as my son had purchased one earlier this year and I thought he would get a kick out of it.

That is a damn good price. I think my son paid $60 or more.

I'm sure there are better - and you have a lot of great suggestions here. I don't always take what Stereophile says to be the final word - they do have to satisfy their advertisers :yes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom