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 6 responses by mesch

mesch
3,530 posts
 
I agree with Inna regarding buying a modern TT. Also the suggestion to check out needledoctor, I forgot them in my last post. The Project Debut II seems to be a popular budget choice (~$400). You never mentioned your budget for TT and stage.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
I have owned a SG-3 since 1983. It was a great starter turntable then and if in good condition still today. As stated above, you will need a phonostage. I would stick to the moving magnet type cartridge as there are greater choices in carts and stages within your budget. Good luck in your search.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Being the owner of the SG-3, I have always wondered how it would compare to the newer budget tables. In 1983 the SG-3 sold for $400. It has mounted a Sumiko MMT arm which sold for $250 making total cost $650 in 1983 dollars. I have not taken the time to make a comparison however. I believe the SG-3 with MMT arm might sell for ~$450 today.

The key to getting the best sound/$$$ is matching cartridge to phono stage. Check out Music Direct and Audio Advisor for recommendations. I suggest you purchase a new cartridge and possibly a used stage.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Lionsdwarf, I agree with Lowrider57. Purchase the TT and phonostage as an addition to your current system. Should you later decide to upgrade your amplification you can purchase a line level (no phonostage) integrated amplifier at that time. A separate phonostage is usually better than those included in a budget integrated.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
OK, I thought I would put myself in your shoes and shop Needledoctor. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC turntable sells for $399 with Ortofon 2M red cartridge.

The 2M Red cartridge has a recommended loads of 47K resistance and 150-300 pF capacitance. Very common load for budget MM cartridges. It has relatively high gain at 5.5mV meaning it would drive most budget stages.

The Cambridge Audio Azure 551P phonostage sells for $129. And would be quite compatible with the 2M Red having 39dB gain, and load of 47K and 220 pF. It is MM only.

The NAD PP2 is not sold by Needledoctor, however can be had for $169 elsewhere. Have yet to check out the specs on this model however believe it would also be compatible with the 2M Red. I would confirm this prior to purchase. It is MM and MC.

I think you would be quite happy with the Pro-Ject/Ortofon/Cambridge combination at $530 total. It would be a nice addition to and quite compatible with, your current system.

Again, good luck in your quest.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
The NAD PP2e loads similar to the Cambridge 551P however has somewhat less gain at 35dB. The gain differential represents no problem for the Ortofon 2M Red.

I can’t speak to the sonic differences between these NAD and Cambridge phonostages.

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