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got a TT now for the phono pre amp? help

H

hifiwannab

New Member
i have a thorens TD 160 coming to me i am looking for a really nice pre amp to go with it. i would like to go alittle bit more high end than the turntable as i would like to be able to use it when i upgrade my TT in a year or so. i am open to tube or solid state. i am going to use a solid state amplifier for now but am open to tubes in the future. i really dont know much about phono pre amps. i believe signal to noise ratio is important but i dont know for sure? also what percentage of funds should the phono pre amp get compared to the turntable?

anyway i know its alotta questions but yeah i got confidence in all yall.
 
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We need to know a couple more things before making any suggestions:

1) What's your budget?
2) Do you want to use a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge (or both)?

You don't mention if you have a pre-amp or will be using a receiver to feed the audio signal to your amp. If you need a pre-amp as well, you might want to consider one that has a phono stage already built in.
 
Lots of possibilities, depending on various factors, as Tedrick has indicated.

For whatever it's worth, my favorite phono stage (so far, from the ones I've had) is in the Marantz 3650 pre-amp. It can be a little hard to find and a little pricey, but it handles both MM and MC carts with great flexibility (plenty of adjustable controls), and superb sound quality. I haven't tried a cart/TT yet that didn't sound good through it (compared to others, subject to the quality limits of the cart/TT). However, you might want something simpler and cheaper if you know which TT you'll be using, and don't want the extra capabilities for handling various carts in the future. Still, the sound quality is first-rate.

The phono input in the Sansui AU-8500/9500 amps is nice, too. Those amps have a rich, almost tube-like sound with the power of SS technology. I'd recommend them, too. Again, you might have to look a while for one, as they are vintage, not new, and you might need to get them serviced before using.

I have little knowledge of new gear, so can't suggest anything specific there.
 
The Cambridge Audio Azur 640p is fantastic. Goes for a little under $200, handles MM & MC. I'm yet to hear a bad word about.

I'd read up on it and consider it ;)
 
I enjoy my Clearaudio "Nano." It is solid state, can be set for MM or MC, and has adjustible gain.

Lists for $350. EZ to find at $300.
 
As you can see, I like Luxman. I use a C-120A preamp and it has input for both MM and MC carts. You can find these for $125 to $200. Or, I also have used the L series integrated amps (I have an L-480). They also accomodate both cartridge types and sound great. I see them on eBite often for $100 to $150. An integrated may be the way to start if you don't have a great deal of cash. By the way, Echowars did a great job recapping my C-120A and it sounds like new.
 
For a receiver (if you want to go that way), I can recommend a Mitsubishi DA-r20 or above. It will take either MM or MC and is quite neutral. If tuned and aligned, it also has a killer FM section. The other receiver I'd suggest is an HH Scott 375r. It also has both cartridge type inputs and is a well built piece with a warm friendly sound. :)
 
so i have to buy a phono preamp and then a regualar preamp before it goes into my amplifications source. i will be using a reciever until i get dedicated amps. can i just get a phono preamp and hook it in that way for now?
 
hifiwannab said:
so i have to buy a phono preamp and then a regualar preamp before it goes into my amplifications source. i will be using a reciever until i get dedicated amps. can i just get a phono preamp and hook it in that way for now?
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If your receiver doesn't have phono inputs you can plug a phono preamp into one of the inputs like Tape, etc. You haven't told us your budget?
 
i could spend up to 800 or even 1000 if it was really that much bang for my buck....i was thinkin of when i eventually upgrade my TT i hope i can keep the phono stage so im not pissing away money so i guess i would want it to do both mm and mc..
 
You'll need a phono amp and then you can put it into a linestage (tape, CD, etc) input on your receiver.

There's nice BC phono amp on audiogon right now. BC isn't a very large company but Gilbert doesn't build anything but well-made good sounding gear.
 
nu2toobs said:
Did you give up on the Bellari? I used it for a week till I received my Scott 299 and haven't looked back.
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Oh I think you're confusing me with Jim. I had the Pro-Ject Tube Box II (still have it actually), but man, it can't hold a candle to the 200c. I actually did an AB comparison a couple nights ago to remind myself why I spent all that money, and the difference was huge. It's a magical piece of equipment :D Unfortunately it's not priced to be accessible to a lot of people.
 
Coldacre said:
The Cambridge Audio Azur 640p is fantastic. Goes for a little under $200, handles MM & MC. I'm yet to hear a bad word about.

I'd read up on it and consider it ;)
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Way under you budget, but really worth considering. It's a killer unit, try one and spend the rest on records.

TB
 
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