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Getting into Vinyl...

Was wondering what you guys would recommend for a phono preamp for someone just getting into vinyl and not looking to make this a passion. I am just trying to work some vinyl into my system (VTL 5.5, Krell 2250, b&w 804s) to play with on occasion, not looking to spend alot of money.

The players I have been looking into are the Rega P1, just not sure on the phono pre amp side of things. I was considering a SS phono pre since I already have a Tube pre amp. Is this a good line of thinking?? I don't want to lose bass if possible, and i know having all tube can cause this.

I know nothing about vinyl, except it sounds great and looks fun, so any help is throroughly appreciated.
jc51373
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
A this point I think I am leaning towards the Black Cube with the larger power supply, I will start there and move ahead with the table, or vice versa. Seems like the phono is the more important piece, although we know better as philes. It's all a big chain....

That depends who you ask, but Dejan Veselinovic, an European audio journalist opened my eyes to that perspective. I chose the Monolithic Sound w/ dual mono outboard power supply and it does bring a lot of detail for its price point. The power supply is an important component in keeping the noise floor down.

Buying used is a great way to buy and sell until one finds a keeper...

As for TT's, I'm a direct drive man.

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pawlowski6132's avatar
pawlowski6132
572 posts
 
Ooops. Guess I provided the "wrong" advice.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I own a Lehmann Black Cube SE. It's a no-brainer at its used price. One of the great values in analog audio.

You can't go wrong with either a Rega or Music Hall. A vintage table like a Thorens TD160 or TD147 will hold its value.

You will get outstanding performance from a MM cartridge or a high output MC cartridge. At the entry level, anything else is a waste of money, IMO.

Even an entry level table will sound better than a CD...if you can ignore the surface noise, pops and clicks of vinyl.

IMO, FWIW, YMMV.
jc51373 OP
319 posts
 
Thanks Tvad...I read so many positive things about the BC se it just seemed like the right avenue to travel. I think it is important to system match properly when adding something. Some of the pieces I was originally thinking about might be outclassed, so I decided to at least put a little more into the phono stage. Great advice here, thanks alot.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Even an entry level table will sound better than a CD

Not in my modded 1200 rig, and according to someone I trust, not even with a Walker Proscenium. The mastering quality is what determines whether a vinyl record or its CD version will sound better, not the format. That's happening with my beloved Fania salsa records, which are now being PROPERLY digitally remastered for the second time. To that effect I suggest a modified belt drive transport. Then vinyl and analog will start sounding close to each other.

With Psychic power and primal intensity,
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