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Need a little help, New to Vinyl

Hello all, I don't want to be a bother but I am not exactly sure if I know what I am doing in regards to setting up my first turntable. I have been doing my best to research this on the Internet and I think I know what I need but I am not sure. First of all, I want to set up my turntable for headphone listening. A good speaker system is too far out of my price range so the next best thing would be an excellent pair of headphones. I am considering the AKG 701's. I just purchased a used Music Hall MMF-5 turntable and I am not sure how to connect the headphones to it. From what I have found it appears I need a Phono Preamp, a headphone amp, and the necessary wiring, correct? Also, any suggestions on brands and such would be great. I know the headphone amp will be $200 and I can't really afford anything more then $200 for the Preamp. Thank you for your help.
vinyln00b
10 responses Add your response
grimace
624 posts
 
Maybe consider an integrated amp - even a cheap one, and just use it for the head phones. Then if you do eventually get speakers you've already got something to drive them.
oregon
818 posts
 
Vinyln00b,
I would not hesitate to seek out Viridians recommendations. He knows his stuff like few others.
Post removed 
oregon
818 posts
 
Viridian-
That's all you had to say!
vinyln00b OP
1 posts
 
Hey everyone, thank you very much for all of your help. I definitely think I'm gonna go with the Belari, the only thing I was worried about was it's ability to power the headphones. From what I have read the AKG K701's are a little difficult and respond better to a more powerful headphone amp. The turntable comes with the stock Goldring 1012GX cartridge, I believe, and it is 6.5mV so hopefully there will be no trouble. Another question. What kind of cables from the turntable to the amp would you recommend?
bdgregory
1,710 posts
 
I also agree with the Belari. I had one some time ago, and while it wasn't right for me, I think it's an excellent solution for you situation. The only suggestion is if you go that way, make sure your cartridge has adequate output voltage and/or you have fairly sensitive headphones. The Belari is a little short on gain. If your cartridge output is near 5 mV or higher you should be fine.
elevenmg
22 posts
 
I second the Music Hall Bellari. I think its a great product.
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
Viridian makes a terrific suggestion. . .especially if you're looking for a more flexible future upgrade path. And I'm right there with him on the tube thinking!
Post removed 
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
You could look for a used pre-amp that also offers a built-in phono stage and headphone output. An example would be something like a NAD 114 or 116 which has both a MM/MC phono stage and a headphone output on the front panel. Plus you get remote contol and a pretty nice pre in the deal. Full disclosure--I own the 116 and would never part with it even though it's no longer in my main system. I think the current model is the C162 or the C160, which should also do what you need.
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