I agree with getting the phono stage 1st. Given your budget of $1000 max for both items, I would set aside $500 for the TT to include cartridge. Keep in mind that the cartridges that come with a turntable are good compliments at the selling point, however, one of the best upgrades that can be made for vinyl is to upgrade the cartridge. The beauty is this can be done at a later date.
When considering a phono stage it is important that it is compatible with the cartridge used regarding output and loading. I own a Lounge Audio LCR MK-II. I believe they now sale online for ~$225. It provides 40dB Gain. I believe it loads at 47kohm, 100mFd so will suit many MM or HOMC cartridges. I use it with a Bluepoint No.2. You may want to look into the Lounge online. My decision was based on budget and wanting a phono stage that provided 40 dB gain as the Bluepoint only outputs 2.5mV. I believe the NADs only provide 36dB. Had the 3ppi USB one and preferred the Lounge. I once own the Jolida JD9, which retailed at $450. This was one of best sub $500 phono stages. A hybrid tube model with great flexibility regarding gain and loading. There is now a newer version selling for ~$600. Check out Needledoctor and Music Direct to compare many of the options. There are many choices, consider your needs regarding cartridge output and loading. Take your time to insure you best satisfy your needs. I am sure others having more experience will chime in. I |
NAD sells a range of phono pre-amps that are generally well received. I'd look there first. |
Thanks. So any suggestions for a good and affordable phono preamp? That will bump things up in quality a bit before I get a new TT, right? Anything that would go nicely with my nad? |
If I run my turntable on "line" through the NAD I can definitely get it up loud enough. If I switch it to phono, it still comes through the speakers, but incredibly quiet. Setting the switch to "line" routes the signal from the cartridge through a built-in phono preamp, while setting it to "phono" will bypass that phono preamp, and output the signal straight from the cartridge. The "phono" position will be used with an external phono preamp. I do agree with a TT upgrade, however the first step should be that external phono preamp, as this will be needed when using an upgraded TT. |
I concur with those that believe the TT to be the weak link. A ProJect Debut carbon with cartridge can be had for ~`$400 leaving $$ left for phono stage. There is also Rega or Music Hall versions at that price point. Check out Needle Doctor or Music Direct online. They also have many phono stages for sale. NAD makes one that provides the USB function if that is desired. Good luck and let us know how you proceed. |
Ah, a USB turntable. Converts tt analog out put to digital? Missed that part.
Sounds like a bad idea in terms of getting the most out of a tt but have never tried/heard so can't say for sure.
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Yes, you would get better sound with a dedicated phono preamp rather than the Music Hall built-in pre. But to make a significant upgrade in sonics, I would suggest a better TT, cart and Phono Stage. It would cost under $1000 and the improvement could be huge. There are some package deals online.
I'm sure that you can get some suggestions from others more informed or maybe look thru the archives or needledoctor dot com. |
Thanks everyone for the responses.
To address some of the questions...
If I run my turntable on "line" through the NAD I can definitely get it up loud enough. If I switch it to phono, it still comes through the speakers, but incredibly quiet.
Won't I get a better sound quality if I get a phono preamp?
To answer the question on budget... I'm not exactly looking to do this tomorrow. I'd be willing to spend $500 to a $1000 for a significant upgrade in quality for my next purchase. But, I'd also be happy spending less to tweak some things. |
It looks like the Music Hall has a built-in MM Phono preamp, and as you say it's a starter table. The question is if you were to upgrade the TT, are you prepared to also buy a phono preamp which is required to boost the signal of the cartridge? This would be a major upgrade in sound, but you need to tell us your budget as this may not come cheap.
Goheelz has a good suggestion in adding a subwoofer. It would add some bottom end to the sound as well as increasing performance of your monitors by making them more efficient. I've found that adding a sub makes for a much more dynamic listening experience. |
Rootsrockreggae: judging by your moniker, you're going to want a subwoofer at some point, so that is something to consider, probably even before you get a stand-alone phono stage. The Hsu Research subs are excellent and affordable. Longer term, I'd say you'll be hankering for an amplifier with more (reggae) grunt than the NAD can provide.
Give an idea of the budget you've got in mind, and you'll get more specific suggestions. |
How much are you budgeting for the upgrade? I am also unclear about the statement about the phono. It seems like the front end, TT, cart, phono would be your best area of focus if you like your speakers and amp. You can probably get a very good lift in performance. |
":Given the NAD not having a phono input, I am also not running phono. Should I start upgrading there? Although, I think the turntable has a built in phono preamp. I'm sure I could do better."
IS there enough "gain" with the phono?
Are you able to turn the volume up high enough when playing records? Sounds like adding a phono pre-amp would be a good next step. A phono pre-amp is normally added for proper results in a case as you describe with a MM or MC type cartridge for phono running direct into a pre-amps line level input. |
