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Can someone point me in the right direction? LP player / Preamp / Dragonfly Red...

Relative newbie here.  I want to add a TT and start enjoying Vinyl.  Was looking at the AT-LP120 and have been reading up on pros/cons.  The built in preamp seems to be a low point, many have removed it though.  If I were to got this route, could I then input the sound directly into my iMac and out through my Dragonfly Red to my Amp?  

I have pretty descent sound right now from Audirvana / Dragonfly Red / (Sony 2 channel Amp (next upgrade) / Infinity Kappa 8.1's

Or should I output the LP player directly to the Amp?

Thanks for any guidance!
aqueousaris

Showing 7 responses by roberjerman

roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
TT > phonostage/preamp > amp. So you want a low-cost TT? How about vintage? I bought 3 Empires for a few hundred each! Still great belt-drive tables! And superior to any present day cheap TT! That's one way to go. Or for a bit more get a used (not abused) Technics 1200. They are plentiful! A great DD TT! Don't waste money on a cheap AT, Project ...  The 1200 (used) is the best bang-for-the-buck under-$1K TT! Truth! I have one in my collection. I paid about $650 + shipping. It will reward you with years of service! 
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Buy a used NAD integrated amp (with phono stage). Sell or give away the Sony.
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
Add a cheap Grado cartridge to the 1200 and you'll have a good sounding system!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
The Onkyo is a good choice! I am a fan of their older gear! Is the Sony an integrated amp and are you using its volume control?
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
If you can afford it, get the Pioneer PLX1000 DD TT. Brand new $699 + free shipping from American Musical Supply. Excellent TT. Comparable to the old Technics 1200. I bought one. I wanted to try a brand-new TT. I put a Denon 103R mc cartridge on it. I like it very.much! 
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
For sound and build quality it beats any other under $1K TT! I have posted about it before on this site!
roberjerman
2,086 posts
 
If your Sony has a phono stage, keep and use it. If not, add a Bellari tube phonostage ($350). No real need to discard the Sony!
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