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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
klimt OP
164 posts
 

Sorry if off topic.

vinylvin
145 posts
 

If it were me & I had 5k I would start with a Marantz MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier.

tubehead120's avatar
tubehead120
31 posts
 

Rega and Project are great for set-and-forget types, but if you want to swap carts and play around in general you need a removable headshell and adjustable VTA.  Look at https://drop.com/buy/drop-audio-technica-carbon-vta-turntable.  It has those, a carbon arm, adjustable feet for leveling and comes with an AT VM95E, all for $349.

geof3
1,125 posts
 

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.

jrwaudio
332 posts
 

A little off topic as l've never had a turntable in my stereo rig So l receive a call from my Son and he tells me that someone in his neighborhood has posted " turntable free to a good home" He thought of me right away ( good Son) So l jump in my car right away and go pick it up. To my surprise it's a 1915 Victor-Victrola in almost perfect condition with working turntable! It even came with a few old, l mean really old 78's

 

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