[LingLing1337]

I still need an amp to get my turntable running, and I've been looking at either an amp/preamp (Little Dot MKIII) or an integrated amp (which I understand is basically the same) such as the Transcendere Sweet-5. Will this be an OK setup, until I get a dedicated preamp?

 

[Cold Brains]

Unfortunately, neither will work without also adding a dedicated phono stage between your turntable and the preamp/integrated amp. A regular non-phono preamp [as in the two mentioned] do not feature the required phono stage for direct plug and play with a turntable. Turntables are a bit different than other components [cd, tape, and video players] and require additional amplification and RIAA equalization to be usable. That's the purpose of the phono stage [i.e. phono preamp]--to provide a boosted, clean signal to the preamp/integrated amp.

Now, some solid state preamps/integrated amps/receivers feature built-in phono stages [although I'm not sure about tube amps], but the LD MKIII [preamp] and Trancendere S5 certainly do not.

So, your options: 1) a dedicated phono stage between the TT and one of the above amps, or 2) to search out an preamp/integrated amp [if using speakers, too] with a built-in phono stage. How do you know there is a built-in phono stage? The easiest method to check is probably a quick look at the back panel for a set of labeled "PHONO" inputs or a "PHONO" selector option the front panel. If you look at a picture of either the LD MKIII or Transcendere S5, you'll see neither feature dedicated PHONO inputs, only standard inputs.

Andrew

 

[Keithpgdrb]

here is an inexpensive phono stage recommended by Skylab if you go that route. Phono Stage

 

[DennyL]

If there is an pre-amp or integrated amplifier out there with a phono input and a decent headphone output, then that would get you going. How about the Rogue Audio Metis preamplifier or Cronus integrated amplifier?

 

[falis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithpgdrb /img/forum/go_quote.gif here is an inexpensive phono stage recommended by Skylab if you go that route. Phono Stage

Here's another one from the same company that has the advantage of three additional line level inputs. I have it, and it works nicely.

TCC TC-754 Details and Hookup

- Ed

 

[Skylab]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithpgdrb /img/forum/go_quote.gif here is an inexpensive phono stage recommended by Skylab if you go that route. Phono Stage

Yep, the TC-760LC is an amazing little phono preamp for the money.

 

[LingLing1337]

I was thinking TCC TC-750 or NAD PP2-->LD MKIII. This would work, yes?

 

[Skylab]

Yes, it would.