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Technics 1200 turntable, do I need a Phono Pre?

Sometimes good things happen... My girlfriend is packing for a move, comes across 2 boxes full of her old records, some good stuff. Says I can "borrow" them. I don't have a turntable so my brother offers to ship me his old DJ table a Technics 1200.

I tried researching but can't find out if it has a built in phono pre. I believe he has an MM Ortofon cartridge on it. Can anyone shed some light?

If I need a phono pre then I will get a NAD phono pre for $130 and be up and running.

Thanks in advance
bokfudo
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Yeah, what electronics are you plugging the Technics into? The Technics doesn't have a phono stage but your receiver may.
audiodoc
25 posts
 
Audio Technica makes an inexpensive phono preamp (Audio Technica PEQ3) on sale for $43 at Needledoctor. Very good value for a bone fide quality phono preamp--entry to mid level. Looks good too.
blkadr
739 posts
 
I have a Rotel that sounds very good for the money. If I was looking right now, I might try the Cambridge Azure for around $99.99. at AA. It has great reviews and I love the Azure 540a v2 integrated amp I picked up used. Cambridge is high value for the buck IMO.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
It's the Cambridge 640A that really kicks butt under $200. I used one for 3 years until I replaced it with a Jolida tube unit at more than double the price. If you don't spring for the 640A, you might as well get the Audio Technica PEQ3.
bokfudo OP
58 posts
 
Thanks, great suggestions. I ended up ordering the NAD PP2I from AA since I run a NAD 370. I may try others, the 640A perhaps...

Cheers
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