2. analog
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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 wrxdriver

wrxdriver OP
1 posts
 
Thank you for the information; my motivation for asking about this unit is that I've heard it is essentially derived from the famous NAD 3020 integrated, containing the phono stage and pre-amp circuits from that design.

I figured I could buy it used off of Ebay for less than $100, which seems to be about the price of a half-decent standalone phono-preamp. That way I'd essentially be getting the rest of its capabilities for free (though they won't be of any use until I go with separates, which is not in the immediate future).

Unfortunately my primary issue has to be budget; I can't see spending much more than $100 for a phono preamp, standalone or otherwise. That leaves me looking at something like a NAD PP-1, Btech BT926 (or bt-26), Pro-Ject phono box (non tube). I haven't heard great things about any of these; in fact I've herad a lot of people say the $25 Rat shack battery preamp beats them all, so maybe I should go that route.
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