Newbie needs help picking components for Rega Planar 3

[dkdc]

Hi -- I am planning to buy the Rega Planar 3 turntable based on the excellent reviews online e.g. at What Hifi. I presently have a pair of powered Kef LS50's that are connected to a Bluesound node (for Tidal), and I also have a pair of Sennheiser 660s headphones.

Can anyone give recommendations for the other equipment I need for the turntable, e.g. a phono preamp? I want to connect it to the Kef's and be able to listen using my headphones. I'm new to this stuff and so don't know what I need or what are the best recommended products.

Thanks so much!!!

 

[kid vic]

Unfortunately head-fi isn't exactly the best place for vinyl advice, but I'll give the best advice I can as a fellow vinyl head.

Firstly, figure out what cart you are going to get: if it's MM (moving magnet) any amp that has a phono input will work, if it's MC (moving coil) you will need to find an amp with a MC stage/switch or get a SUT/headamp.

Secondly, to use powered speakers with a turntable you will need either an integrated amp/receiver with a pre-amp out OR simply a pre-amp. Either option will let you use the KEF's and the amp/pre-amp will control the volume. Depending on where you are located a vintage pre-amp will be your best choice simply because many of them have MC stages and are generally better built. Though the price to get it repaired and restored to its factory levels can be a detering factor.

Lastly, check out this thread here on head-fi for help on integrateds and pre's.
Try https://www.vinylengine.com/ (i'm there under the same user name) this is the PLACE for turntable help
Also http://www.usaudiomart.com/ Lots of info and a great place to buy gear (I use the canadian version for obvious reasons)

Good luck! Welcome to Head-fi

 

[Roketh]

From what I've read people seem to like the Schiit Mani as a phono pre amp:

http://www.schiit.com/products/mani

 

[dkdc]

Thank you all so much! It was recommended to me that I consider the Cambridge Duo Phono Preamplifier, as it has a headphone jack on the front and will work with the Rega Planar 3 (with the Elys tonearm, MM), so I'll look into that. Thanks again!