2. amps-preamps
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receiver or preamp

hi yall.  i listen to music only (no movies) and then only the fm radio or records.  currently, i've been running a receiver > power amp > speakers, but i don't like my receiver and it's developing quirks i no longer want to put up with.  
i was going to replace my receiver but kinda got 'scolded' by nobody i know for not just buying a tuner and a preamp.  i certainly don't need the extra functions of a receiver but is it that foolish to go with a receiver (as an fm tuner / preamp)?  i've got less than a grand in my system total and will likely only ever replace my phono preamp and maybe my cartridge after this. my logic is i can spend 200 on a receiver or spend 500 on a pre and a tuner.  receiver seems the logical choice as we don't sit and absorb our music, we just have it on as we go about our days doing whatever.  thank you.
kittenbits
reubent
6,985 posts
 
If you already have a power amp, you have a choice of receiver (insure it has pre-outs), tuner and pre-amp, or a tuner/pre-amp combo. Both Adcom and NAD made tuner/pre-amp combos, and there are likely others. Not sure if anyone today still builds a combo tuner/pre-amp, but older Adcom and NAD units are readily available on eBay and other sites.

Some potential choices would be NAD 1700, Adcom GTP-350 or GTP-500, etc.

A pre-amp/tuner combo would get you what you need, without stuff you don't need. But a vintage receiver would also be cool. Just insure any receiver you buy has the pre-outs needed to connect your power amp.
g_nakamoto's avatar
g_nakamoto
348 posts
 
i only listen to fm and tv on my system. i used to have an older reciever mated to a power amp then to the speakers. the reciever was to noisy so i bought a pre amp tuner to take place of the old reciever.no noise now!! by the way my pre amp tuner is a mcintosh mx132 mated to a mcintosh mc602! powering 4 bose 901 series 2 speakers!
kittenbits OP
3 posts
 
thank you for the replies.  i feel i've done fairly well keeping this system well under budget and have a sound that i've been chasing since i was a kid.  i like the receiver option, i'm comfortable with it, i am glad to hear i'm not making a terrible mistake in wanting to stay with it.  
elliottbnewcombjr
5,367 posts
 
Ignoring your existing phono preamp and amp for the moment:

If you don't absorb your music, a receiver is the way to go. Simple, remote volume, takes less room, less cables ...

research about it's tuner and included or optional phono stage, make a choice.

I would go for built in phono stage for further simplicity.

receiver on, select FM or Phono, done.
kittenbits OP
3 posts
 
this is what i'd really love, a receiver with a phono / fm.  unfortunately, all the ones that i've found are older and i'm not terribly interested in vintage anymore.  they're cool, don't get me wrong.  it just seems terribly overpriced given what's available in the newer market.  
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