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

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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.

Getting Started with Vinyl is one thing. Sticking with Vinyl is another.

I often recommend this Audio Technica AT-120 to start, then upgrade to a better cartridge, then upgrade TT after you have learned this and that.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120XUSB-Direct-Drive-Hi-Fidelity-Anti-Skate/dp/B07N3S4X3P/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3K5TWNYPQKH0V&keywords=turntable+audio+technica&qid=1686746240&s=electronics&sprefix=turntable+audio+technica%2Celectronics%2C93&sr=1-4

"comes with a 0.3 mil x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus, but is also compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus"

I owned one for years, very happy with it.

It has a removable headshell, so it is easy to buy and mount alternate/better cartridge(s). The headshell(s) and cartridge(s) can simply move to a different tonearm when upgrading.

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Info regarding stylus shapes

https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information