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
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Lionsdwarf,
Hold on...one thing at a time. Stay with your original plan and add a vinyl setup to your Marantz.
What you're proposing is possible but it will get complicated and you really don't need the amp yet.

FYI, as far as the phono preamp goes, sometimes an integrated amp's internal phonostage is of a lesser quality than an external preamp. So get something decent, it doesn't have to be big bucks to have good sound.

I'll repeat myself, if you want plug and play, then look at budget tables and phono preamps at Needle Doctor. Sometimes there are package deals; e.g., a Pro-Ject TT, cart, and preamp.

To answer an earlier question, the NAD PP 2e Phono Preamp is a nice piece and it has a separate power supply (which means less noise), but you need to choose the TT and cart first.
mesch
3,481 posts
 
Lionsdwarf, I agree with Lowrider57. Purchase the TT and phonostage as an addition to your current system. Should you later decide to upgrade your amplification you can purchase a line level (no phonostage) integrated amplifier at that time. A separate phonostage is usually better than those included in a budget integrated.
mesch
3,481 posts
 
OK, I thought I would put myself in your shoes and shop Needledoctor. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC turntable sells for $399 with Ortofon 2M red cartridge.

The 2M Red cartridge has a recommended loads of 47K resistance and 150-300 pF capacitance. Very common load for budget MM cartridges. It has relatively high gain at 5.5mV meaning it would drive most budget stages.

The Cambridge Audio Azure 551P phonostage sells for $129. And would be quite compatible with the 2M Red having 39dB gain, and load of 47K and 220 pF. It is MM only.

The NAD PP2 is not sold by Needledoctor, however can be had for $169 elsewhere. Have yet to check out the specs on this model however believe it would also be compatible with the 2M Red. I would confirm this prior to purchase. It is MM and MC.

I think you would be quite happy with the Pro-Ject/Ortofon/Cambridge combination at $530 total. It would be a nice addition to and quite compatible with, your current system.

Again, good luck in your quest.
mesch
3,481 posts
 
The NAD PP2e loads similar to the Cambridge 551P however has somewhat less gain at 35dB. The gain differential represents no problem for the Ortofon 2M Red.

I can’t speak to the sonic differences between these NAD and Cambridge phonostages.

rcprince
3,070 posts
 
I'm in agreement with Lowrider and Mesch on sticking with the receiver you have and getting a good phono stage. One other possible phono stage might be the Schiit Audio Mani ($129), which is available direct from the manufacturer but I believe has a 15-day return policy if you don't like it (less a 15% restocking fee), and one other possible TT would be the Rega RP1.
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