2. amps-preamps
  3. 1447115686

Do I need a pre-amp?

Major noob here. Researching my first turntable purchase. One potential problem is my existing receiver, Marantz SR4001. Not sure if this home-theater receiver is immediately compatible or whether I will need an additional phono pre-amp? Here is spec book: http://newmedia.engl.iastate.edu/tutorials/DFU_SR4001_SR5001_Final_eng.pdf

Looks like there is a pre-amp OUT but I don't see any phono IN. Maybe that doesn't matter, but I'm not sure bc I don't know very much about this stuff. If I need a pre-amp, how much should I expect to spend to be on par w my entry-level B&W floor-standing speakers? I also have a B&W sub that I would like to keep thumping and will changing my setup require altering that config?

Also, this is the turntable I'm considering: https://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-conrad-johnson-sonographe-sg-3-with-alphason-opal-sumiko-andante-turntable-tonear-2015-10-12-analog-02461-newton-highlands-ma Is this a good starter table and on par w my setup?

Thanks in advance for helping me learn and sorry for the scattered questions. I've heard great things about this forum.
lionsdwarf

Showing 5 responses by dbphd

dbphd
1,632 posts
 
I'm having trouble imagining a guy who uses an AVR and wants the bother of vinyl. A good digital source would seem more fitting.

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
Inna, my impression from OP's post was that he might not have the knowledge base to make an informed decision about vinyl, nor with his equipment might he be able to appreciate the distinction (whatever that might be) in sound between an analog and digital source. There are plenty of folks on the web who smoke on about the magic of vinyl. If I were OP, I'd spend my money on upgrading the components I have rather than entering another realm. Yes, I own a Thorens TD 124 with SME Series III arm, but more as an icon than a source -- it's both a visual and auditory delight.

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
Zd542, my comments have been aimed at OP's motivation for vinyl, given the other components he's using. If my house had a leaky roof, I'd be unlikely to be shopping for a gazebo. In the age of very fine digital sound, vinyl seems an audiophile indulgence. Fun, perhaps, but not a necessary complication for the enjoyment of music. Maybe it's just a sense of priorities. For me, speakers I like would come first, followed closely by a suitable amp to drive them and a reliable source. Only after the basics are in place might I shift my attention to frills. Now if I got caught up in the drift of smoke coming in my direction . . .

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
"As for the rest of it, its good to know how you do things. Its like a carefully plotted course that we should all follow."

Zd542, Why the snarky sarcasm? My point was simply why would OP allocate money to a frill like a TT when he appears less than satisfied his more basic audio components. And before you or Inna give me a lecture on a man's right to spend his money as he sees fit, I agree with you.

db
dbphd
1,632 posts
 
After reading OP's 11/13/15 post, I rest my case. He's very confused about audio, but has a romantic notion about vinyl.

db
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