Phono amp needed. Suggestions?

[fran]

I'm not aware of any, but if its just some of the settings on your dads TT, that can all be fixed with reasonable ease (and care). Certainly setting the anti-skate is fairly easy. What TT is it?

Fran

 

[PYROphonez]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fran /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm not aware of any, but if its just some of the settings on your dads TT, that can all be fixed with reasonable ease (and care). Certainly setting the anti-skate is fairly easy. What TT is it? Fran

No, the anti-skating had to be turned off. It was having some sort of issues I guess. The turntable is a Fisher. Nothing special, just a decent turntable. I asked him for his Thorens, but that was an immediate no.

If I did get a new turntable, what would you suggest for the $100 range?
Looking at new turntables on amazon gives me choices between the $150 ion turntable with the USB recording option. It seemed to get good reviews.
The Technics SLBD20D, for $120, and the Sony PSLX250H for $88. There's also the Audio Technica AT-LP2D for $180 which also does the whole recording thing.
Would I be better off just buying a vintage turntable off of ebay if I do need to purchase?

*edit*
I just spoke with my dad. The turntable is working better now, but the anti-skating is still acting up. However he did say it was running fine, and shouldn't have any issues playing through a whole record.

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PYROphonez /img/forum/go_quote.gif I was told to put this in the dedicated source components thread, so here it is: Is it possible to get a nice phono amplifier for cheap? I'm moving a turntable into my room, and need a phono amp. I don't really want to spend more than $100 if possible, considering I'm just getting into the whole vinyl scene. What possibilities are there? Any advice is appreciated! Thanks.

The best inexpensive Phono stage available is the Hagerman Technology Bugle which you will find at hagtech.com.It is available as a half-kit @ $39 or assembled @ $150.I have no personal experience with this unit but the reports are that it is superior to the NAD and Parasound units.It is battery powered which makes it very quiet and an optional power supply is also available for it.A very cool MM Phono stage.

 

[Uncle Erik]

I just bought the NAD PP2. Not here yet, but I am encouraged by the comments here.

I did, however, come very close to pulling the trigger on the Bottlehead Seduction. For $279, I think it is quite a bargain. The only reason I didn't buy it is because I have plans for a tube one I intend to build in the next 1-2 years. I don't know when I'll get to it, so I ordered the PP2 to get the vinyl spinning until time frees up.

 

[Dept_of_Alchemy]

Also keep in mind that the Marantz phono inputs only take MM carts.

 

[skyline889]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dept_of_Alchemy /img/forum/go_quote.gif Also keep in mind that the Marantz phono inputs only take MM carts.

Well, most MCs aren't exactly targeted at the budget market...

 

[Meyvn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyline889 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, most MCs aren't exactly targeted at the budget market...

you mean low output MCs. there are cheap high output ones around.

 

[skyline889]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meyvn /img/forum/go_quote.gif you mean low output MCs. there are cheap high output ones around.

Hence the term most, with the exception of the lower end Grados like the Black/Green/Red etc, most MCs are targeted towards the mid-high end market with prices starting around $250 and extending up past the $5k mark (Though, there are some MMs at this price as well).

 

[BlindTiger]

Don't know if you picked up a phono pre yet but Saturday audio has a NAD 1020 pre amp listed for the going rate of a little over $100.

 

[WilCox]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssportclay /img/forum/go_quote.gif The best inexpensive Phono stage available is the Hagerman Technology Bugle which you will find at hagtech.com.It is available as a half-kit @ $39 or assembled @ $150.I have no personal experience with this unit but the reports are that it is superior to the NAD and Parasound units.It is battery powered which makes it very quiet and an optional power supply is also available for it.A very cool MM Phono stage.

Having owned the Creek and Parasound phono preamps, I can confirm that the Hagerman Bugle is a giant leap forward in sound quality and a terrific bargain. I first built mine with the battery power. It was so good that I bought the dedicated power supply. You can also easily do op amp upgrades. Right now I'm running OPA627s (on BrownDog adapters) and the sound of vinyl is beautiful!

 

[PYROphonez]

Whoa. I didn't even notice my topic was still alive.

I didn't buy anything yet. I might build one with the help of someone I know. He can give me most of the parts, and said I'd just need to buy the power conditioner, chassis, tubes, and a couple other things. I might just do it.

 

[jblue98]

so did you end up building one?

 

[Mojo777]

The Schiit Mani for $129 is well worth the thirty bucks over budget. Absolutely fantastic MM Phono
 
Some great reviews online - check out youtube too