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An amp for my turntable.

post #1 of 6
10/26/10 at 11:57pm
Thread Starter 

Sorry to post another "best X for X amount of money" thread, but I'm really lost as far as amps go.

So I really need to get an amp for my turntable that can drive medium size speakers as well as sound good when I plug my headphones into it. Just an amp, I don't need a phono preamp (my turntable has one built in that's good enough for now). I really don't want to spend anymore than about 55$ shipped to USA. I honestly know nothing about amps at this point so any pointers on what to look for would be greatly appreciated. If I left out some vital information just tell me know and I'll edit it in.

Thanks in advance -- Hadoe


Edited by Hadoe - 10/27/10 at 12:00am
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post #2 of 6
10/27/10 at 12:19am
Get on Craigslist and start checking thrift shops and junk stores. Look for an old receiver. I like the ones from Marantz pretty well, but you might turn up others. $50 should find you something alright.

Once you find one, you might want to think about replacing the electrolytic caps in the power supply. They take a pretty good beating over the years. If you want to do that, pop in at the DIY Forum and ask for help.
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post #3 of 6
10/27/10 at 2:41am
Thread Starter 

Thank you so much, let the hunting begin!

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post #4 of 6
10/27/10 at 7:37am

Be sure to check your parent's attic and ask your friends.  I continue to be amazed at what is put up in the attic when someone "upgrades" to a home theater system.

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post #5 of 6
10/27/10 at 7:47am

For amps the second-hand market is superb.

 

Huge numbers of amps were made in the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. They are just as good as the amps made today and because they are so plentiful really good ones can be got for low money.

 

You will quickly pick up the terminology. "Integrated" amplifiers are the most common (I think) and there you have all the stuff you expect in one box, a volume control, selector that kind of stuff of course and then on the back are the inputs and speaker connections. The older integrated amps come with a "phono stage" built in. This means you can plug the cable coming out of your turntable's arm straight in. Newer integrated amplifiers usually don't have a built in phono stage, so it is good to check this.

 

I think if you single something out then you could post a link to it here and there will be people who will comment on it and advise.

 

I'm very fond of Arcam amps myself because I owned one for a number of years and it really was superb.

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post #6 of 6
10/27/10 at 11:44pm
Thread Starter 

Alright, thank you Bones13 and Patrick! I've got a lot better idea of what to look for and where to look for it now. You've guy's were a big help, once again the forum members continue to surprise me with their endless knowledge of audio equipment.

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