Any built-in preamp in an integrated that price is going to be a bottleneck. They just don’t put anything half-way decent in cheap receivers/integrateds. She’d be much better off getting the ART DJ Pre for about $40. It is much better than any built-in unit in that range. The U-Turn Pluto has gotten some great reviews -- I believe it sells for $89. I’d seek out a used Yamaha R-S500 receiver -- should be able to find one for about $150 -- it’s an excellent class AB amp for the $$$ and will have enough power (real RMS power at full bandwidth) to do those Elacs justice. It has a built-in Phono, but it’s dull. Pair it with the U-turn Pluto, Schiit Mani or ART DJ. That should yield a very respectable system.
Budget integrated with phono preamp
I have a young friend who has a passion for music and a desire to get into vinyl. She is, like most millenials, on a tight budget. Her father gave her a U Turn turntable and I gave her a pair of Elac B6 speakers. She is now shopping for an integrated amp with a built in phono stage either new or used and has a maximum budget of $250. Her apartment is tiny with her lving / kitchen area less than 220 sf
Can anyone suggest some options, especially something she will not grow out of right away. Should also be able to accomodate some sort of digital format via phone or streaming device.
Thanks in advance.
Can anyone suggest some options, especially something she will not grow out of right away. Should also be able to accomodate some sort of digital format via phone or streaming device.
Thanks in advance.