Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)


I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  I'm pretty happy with all three.

I'm looking to get into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended.  I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.

I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.

So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want).  He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.

He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.

Just thinking out loud.  I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.

TIA

klimt

Showing 2 responses by geof3

A 5k budget does an ok job for what you are asking. You could do a Parasound Hint 6, has all the goodies you want, phono stage, DAC etc. Plenty of power to drive your speakers, and throw a Rega Planar 6 in the mix and you will simply blow away what you have now. Both can be had new right within your budget. Less if you do preowned.

The biggest difference is Class A/B amplification for the Hint 6 (Halo is the earlier, but similar model) vs Class D amplification. Do a search on the two if not familiar. With the B&W’s Class A/B would be the better bet IMO synergy wise.