2. amps-preamps
  3. 1447115686

Do I need a pre-amp?

Major noob here. Researching my first turntable purchase. One potential problem is my existing receiver, Marantz SR4001. Not sure if this home-theater receiver is immediately compatible or whether I will need an additional phono pre-amp? Here is spec book: http://newmedia.engl.iastate.edu/tutorials/DFU_SR4001_SR5001_Final_eng.pdf

Looks like there is a pre-amp OUT but I don't see any phono IN. Maybe that doesn't matter, but I'm not sure bc I don't know very much about this stuff. If I need a pre-amp, how much should I expect to spend to be on par w my entry-level B&W floor-standing speakers? I also have a B&W sub that I would like to keep thumping and will changing my setup require altering that config?

Also, this is the turntable I'm considering: https://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-conrad-johnson-sonographe-sg-3-with-alphason-opal-sumiko-andante-turntable-tonear-2015-10-12-analog-02461-newton-highlands-ma Is this a good starter table and on par w my setup?

Thanks in advance for helping me learn and sorry for the scattered questions. I've heard great things about this forum.
lionsdwarf
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dbphd
1,630 posts
 
I'm having trouble imagining a guy who uses an AVR and wants the bother of vinyl. A good digital source would seem more fitting.

db
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"11-10-15: Dbphd
I'm having trouble imagining a guy who uses an AVR and wants the bother of vinyl. A good digital source would seem more fitting."

We all have to start somewhere. Maybe in the future, he'll upgrade his other components in a way that suits you.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Receiver or not, if the man wants analog that's exactly what he wants.
mesch
3,520 posts
 
Being the owner of the SG-3, I have always wondered how it would compare to the newer budget tables. In 1983 the SG-3 sold for $400. It has mounted a Sumiko MMT arm which sold for $250 making total cost $650 in 1983 dollars. I have not taken the time to make a comparison however. I believe the SG-3 with MMT arm might sell for ~$450 today.

The key to getting the best sound/$$$ is matching cartridge to phono stage. Check out Music Direct and Audio Advisor for recommendations. I suggest you purchase a new cartridge and possibly a used stage.
inna
7,296 posts
 
Vintage or modern? It's a matter of taste, but you should have some knowledge of vintage turntables to choose right. I myself do not have it, so I would get a modern one, probably Pro-Ject. Another point is do you want belt drive or direct drive turntable? Check out needledoctor.com to see what they have, they are usually quite helpful and might give you a sound advice, unless of course your mind is set on getting vintage table.
There is a number of inexpensive phono stages, I am not sure how much different they are. In any case, your phono stage should be at least a little better than your cartridge and certainly not worse.
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