Solid integrated pre amp for beginner?


Hey --

So Im PUMPED because I just received in the mail my first turntable -- a brand new Rega P1 that I snagged on eBay (for $250 incl shipping - good price, right?)

Now I have to complete my setup. I need a good integrated pre amp (I'm looking to spend in the $100 range) as well as some good speakers (in the $200 range, maybe?).

Would love any suggestions or help. Looking forward to hearing it all together.

thx
jake314

Showing 1 response by knownothing

If you have a relatively small room, a mid 70s Kenwood KA-3500 integrated amp. Only 40 Watts per channel but great phono stage and really clean sound.

No matter what you get, if it is old it will probably have crud on the potentiometers and switches (volume, balance, tone control and speaker selection knobs) that will result in crackling sounds when adjusted, or cut one or both channels out completely. This can be corrected in many cases by pulling off the knobs and spraying TV Tuner Cleaner liberally around the post and turning the knob/switch back and forth, and/or taking the top off the amp and spraying the back of the knobs. The cleaner is readily available at any electronics store or Radio Shack.

Before spraying inside the unit with the cleaner, I would carefully vacuum it out with your vacuum cleaners hose and corner attachment, and then use some canned air to blow the residual dust away (do this outside!).

Good Luck