2. analog
  3. 1093962971

Phono stage / Preamp Question

Hi,

This is my first post here, and I'm about to reveal my absolute newbie status with it, so I apologize if the old hands think this is an asinine question.

I'm not exactly an audiophile (too poor graduate student), but definitely an enthusiast in both Stereo Audio and Home Theater audio. I have a modest home theater setup from Onkyo that has to double as my stereo audio system as well.

I'm starting to wander into new territory and I'm thinking about adding fairly serious analog capability to my system in the form of an entry-level audiophile turntable (NAD 533, Pro-Ject 1 Xpression, etc). As such, I also need to add a phono preamp since my modern HT recvr has no phono inputs.

My question is this: can I connect a full on preamp such as a NAD 1020 to my integrated amplifier through one of the AUX inputs? Phrased another way; Can I use a NAD 1020 preamp as a phono stage?

My question steps from a lack of real understanding of what the preamp does. It would seem to me that using a NAD 1020 preamp into an integrated amplifier (built in preamp) would put the signal through 2 preamp sections in succession. I have no idea what effects this would have on the signal, or if it would damage my integrated amplifier.

I'm thinking about the NAD 1020 as I'd like to eventually separate my 2-channel and HT systems, and using the NAD as a phono stage would mean that I'd already have a pre-amp when I do decide to make that step. Buying used, it's no more (probably cheaper) than a quality dedicated phono pre-amp, so I can't see any disadvantage to it unless it's going to kill my current integrated amplifier or something.

Any help?
wrxdriver

Showing 1 response by cbrentc

cbrentc
30 posts
 
In my experience, the Radio Shack phono pre is not in the class of any of the other preamps you mention. A while back, a friend and I did a comparison of the little rat, the NAD PP-1, a c. 1990 or so NAD full preamp (forget model #), and the Rega Fono MM. The Rat fared much worse than any of the other budget pres--the music through it was muddy and sounded like the record was spinning slightly slow. I was disappointed in light of the praise the Radio Shack amp gets on the fora.

Just for completeness, the Fono clearly bested the rest of the competition. The NAD preamps were similar and were pretty equidistant from either end, and they were clearly worth the extra cost over the Radio Shack unit.
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