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Preamp Issues/Recommendations

forceof1

forceof1

Active Member
System consists of........Marantz 250, Klipsch Quartet spkrs, Pioneer PL550, Pioneer PL-L1000 (which has developed a mind of it's own and is hopefully being fixed) and an old Sansui table with it's own Rolls preamp. .Then theres my Nikko Beta 50 preamp.

Nikko. None of the table's produce anything in the phono input. Plugged my CD player into phono and got garbage sound, really bad. Got the Nikko for $1 in the box. I'm afraid it would cost more to fix the Nikko (valued at $250) than it's worth. I know what to look for when buying a TT or amp but I know nothing about what to look for in a preamp. I need MM/MC selector and that's about all I know. A second TT input would be nice. How much affect does a preamp have on sound?

Money is always an issue. IF I had to buy a new/old one what am I looking for or what recommendations does anyone have. Budget......under $500?

Thanks!!
 
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forceof1 said:
I love to solder!!!! In fact I have a new iron coming tomorrow. Ya think that's it? That would knock out my whole phono input?
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Most turntables need a ground cable that runs from the back of the table to the pre-amp. Without it you'd get very little sound, and what you do get would be very tinny or muddy. Make sure you get a nice solder joint on the loose ground wire and see if that solves your problem.
 
It's at least worth taking the cover off the Nikko pre for a visual inspection of the phono section. Otherwise, a few great preamps (bang for the buck) that I know about would be the H/K Citation Eleven, Proton 1100, 1000, Sanyo Plus C55.
 
Thanks for your help. There was absolutely no sound from the TT in the phono input. Ill get the ground soldered tomorrow and let ya know.
 
onanysunday said:
It's at least worth taking the cover off the Nikko pre for a visual inspection of the phono section. Otherwise, a few great preamps (bang for the buck) that I know about would be the H/K Citation Eleven, Proton 1100, 1000, Sanyo Plus C55.
Click to expand...
Tomorrow I will re-solder the ground connection and see what happens. A friend of mine found a Marantz 30 to 50 preamp which is supposed to be a good match for my 250. I may pick it up instead and if the Nico works, great I’ll sell it and consider it an upgrade. Thanks for your help and I will definitely look into your suggestions as well
 
Solder failed.. Preamp will not boost any low signal. Anything not requiring signal amplification fails to produce sound..............time for a new preamp. Marantz 3250B?
 
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