Pioneer PLX1000 ($699) + a Grado Prestige cartridge ($89 - $189). The C328 phono stage should be adequate. An upgrade would be the Schiit Mani ($150). I have the PLX1000 with a Denon 103R mc cartridge. Read Herb Reichert's review from several years back in the Stereophile archives.
Building System with Record Player / Need Preamp?
Hello! I currently have an NAD C328 running Totem Acoustic Skylite Speakers. I love my system and I’m finally ready to jump to analog.
1. Do I really need a phono preamp? (The C328 does have a phono input.)
2. If so, what would you all recommend (under $500)? For aesthetic reasons, I’d like to stay in the NAD family if possible.
3. What’s the best first record player to get (under $1k)? The Skylites produce a very detailed sound, so I want to make sure I’m going to acquire a player that performs.
Many thanks, as always!
Aaron