Im rather new to vinyl and would appreciate some advice.  I have an old Technics SL-2000 that used to belong to my parents and I would like to be able to hook it up to my headphone setup.  My current setup involves headphones -> Schiit Lyr -> Schiit Bifrost -> PC.  I am not looking to spend all that much on a preamp (I know that is vague in the audiophile market, but lets just say that I will be ok with something that is somewhat entry level), so if you all could recommend me something that would work with the Lyr I would really appreciate it.
 
Another side question I have has to do with the cartridge.  Id like to avoid replacing the cartridge, but on the other hand I am not exactly privy to their relative importance.  The one on it now is a Stanton 680 EL that I would expect is in good condition (given the relative wear on the rest of the turntable).  Should I replace this with something newer, or should I be ok with the current one?  Otherwise, how should I assess whether it needs to be replaced?  
 
Thanks in advance for the help.  

I don't know what your budget is. If you can get/buy an old receiver,it should have a phono section. If that's an old cartridge, chances are the stylus is probably worn out. You can buy a new one on ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231164130470?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true).

Well as I currently see it, buying a preamp would give me more of a value than buying a multi-functional receiver, but I am willing to be convinced otherwise if this is not the case.  As far as my budget goes, im not exactly sure what an acceptable budget preamp would cost me.  Maybe around $100-150?   I am willing to be flexible with my budget, but id also like to be somewhat on the more frugal/practical side of things since I dont have much of a record collection to speak of atm.  Though honestly id prefer it to be something under $100, but I dont know how practical the cheaper options are.  
 
As for the cartridge, id be willing to replace it with something like the Shure M97xE (a quick google search recommended this one) if I dont spend too much on the preamp.  Quite honestly im not looking for an audiophile setup here, as this will be more of a starter setup than an endgame one, but on the other hand im not willing to buy junk if you know what I mean.  Something that will satisfy the slightly more picky layman will probably be sufficient, but id like to see some low end and mid-level recommendations and pick from the two I guess.  Would spending $100 on a preamp and then getting a $100 cartridge be practical?  What is the bottleneck here do you think?  Like I said, I am new to turntables and preamps since ive never worked with them in the past.  

If you are looking for a new preamp with a phono section within your budget of $100 - $150, you don't really have too many choices. Most budget preamps today don't have a phono section anymore since most consumers today don't listen to turntables any longer.

I realize that phono preamps arent particularly mainstream these days, but I figured the audiophile community might have some suggestions.  A quick google search has yielded this site that has a category for budget preamps.  Would any of these be viable options?  
 
I imagine that I could just buy an entirely new turntable with a built in preamp that would be equivalent to what I have now if I were to set my budget too high, am I wrong?  This is always an option, but considering I already have a fully functioning vintage turntable, I figured that I would just try and take advantage of it.
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Those are outboard phono preamps mostly for moving magnet cartridges. So you would still need an amp with an analog input. Your Lyr has only one analog input. So you have to disconnect your Bifrost to listen to your turntable.

wuwhere said:

  Those are outboard phono preamps mostly for moving magnet cartridges. So you would still need an amp with an analog input. Your Lyr has only one analog input. So you have to disconnect your Bifrost to listen to your turntable.

Click to expand...

 
That's pretty much the idea for now I think.  Maybe im just neglecting some other factor, but I cant think of a way of leaving my Lyr hooked up to the computer and to the turntable at the same time.  As for the MMC/MCC, im not sure how to distinguish between the two.  Is my Stanton 680 EL an MM or MC?  And what about the Shure M97xE that ive seen recommended, as well as any other options you guys may recommend?
 

protegemaniac said:

 

 

http://schiit.com/products/mani

 

Works with both MC and MM cartridges, you just need to figure out what kind is on the TT now. That said, how well maintained was it? It's always best to do a good maintenance check on the arm and cartridge, particularly the needle, otherwise you'll end up putting much more wear on the vinyl that you play. 

Click to expand...

 
I didnt realize Schiit made a phono preamp model.  I trust them as a reliable company, so this will probably be what I ultimately choose.  Thanks for the suggestion.
 
As for the maintenance of the turntable, I cant really be sure to tell the truth.  As far as I know, the table has been shelved for quite a long time.  Superficially the table seems to be in great condition.  What kind of things should I be looking for in the arm and cartridge?  Do you know of a decent guide that could help me with an assessment?  

This for alignment https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Cartridge-Stylus-Alignment-Protractor/dp/B005KR15HU/ref=pd_sim_23_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51LppwutUTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=BSFTYFKH13RBF23RC41A
 
And this to check if your TT is level https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT615-Level-Japan-Import/dp/B00008B5E1/ref=pd_sim_229_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=2140GVDXYPL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=ST7J5D05BP4ESJG3Z7S6

Sorry for coming in late on this thread, but I am looking to getting an entry-level (or above) turntable for my current Schiit rig (Bifrost/Lyr -> Mac Mini) with the AKG702. I'm a layperson and taking my first steps down the vinyl route hence please pardon any silly questions that may arise. I figure what I spend on coffees hanging out for hours at the corner cafe that plays vinyls, I'd be better off investing on my own little setup.

Aside from the turntable (of course), I know I'll need the Mani (recommended by 2 friends and Schiit tech). Now the main debate is, should I get the Saga which one friend recommended or the SYS which the Schiit tech recommended. The other friend insists I need a Phono amp! Please help!!

What entry-level turntable would you recommend for the Schiit rig as well? Unfamiliar with the average cost, I'd be comfortable with a budget for US$800 (can I even get a reasonable entry level one at this price?) but could stretch if necessary.

Thanks heaps!

oletliv said:

Sorry for coming in late on this thread, but I am looking to getting an entry-level (or above) turntable for my current Schiit rig (Bifrost/Lyr -> Mac Mini) with the AKG702. I'm a layperson and taking my first steps down the vinyl route hence please pardon any silly questions that may arise. I figure what I spend on coffees hanging out for hours at the corner cafe that plays vinyls, I'd be better off investing on my own little setup.

Aside from the turntable (of course), I know I'll need the Mani (recommended by 2 friends and Schiit tech). Now the main debate is, should I get the Saga which one friend recommended or the SYS which the Schiit tech recommended. The other friend insists I need a Phono amp! Please help!!

Click to expand...

 
1. You will need a phono preamp if the TT doesn't have one built in, the latter being the more unusual configuration
 
2. The Mani is a phono preamp.
 
3. You will need BOTH - the Mani is for when the TT has no built in phono pre (which is more likely, but still check your particular TT) and the Sys will act as a source switcher because the Lyr has only one set of inputs.

protegemaniac said:

   
1. You will need a phono preamp if the TT doesn't have one built in, the latter being the more unusual configuration
 
2. The Mani is a phono preamp.
 
3. You will need BOTH - the Mani is for when the TT has no built in phono pre (which is more likely, but still check your particular TT) and the Sys will act as a source switcher because the Lyr has only one set of inputs.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the explanation, ProtegeManic! 
 
Definitely a lot more for me to research before I decide what to get.