2. misc-audio
  3. 134430-109961

Newbie with some turntable, cable, pre-amp, and speaker questions.

I am very new to "higher end" audio equipment and I have a few questions for the professionals. I thought I bought a decent used system until I saw a pair of $25k speaker for sale on one of the pages here. By no means did I think I purchased anything "amazing" but those speakers were certainly a reality check! lol :) Wood cones?....wow!

I’ve always wanted a nice sound system for my house, nothing crazy, but something I can play pretty loud and not distort the speakers.
I ended up buying a used H/K AVR 7300 and some Polk LSi 15s, Center, and a RSW 400. Paid $675 for the lot and I’m pretty happy with what I got.
I definitely need to complete the surround and would like to find at least a set of F/X’s and possibly 7’s to finish it off.

This system is probably substandard to most, but for a newbie with my 1st decent sound system...I am absolutely elated with the sound I am getting out of what I have. I’m not sure I want to even listen to a very high end system as I’d like to enjoy what I can actually afford!

I have a few questions about some items I received with the lot and some accessries I am looking for.
I would like to add a turntable to the system, and would like to get some opinions on H/K models that would be best to match up with what I have. I don’t need anything super high end, but don’t mind keeping my eye out for the best possible one to grab either. I’ve also been told I’ll need a pre-amp if I want to add a TT...not sure why, but if this is accurate, I’ll need some advice there as well.
Also, the system came with Monster cables but the ends are cracked and are now useless. Does anyone know if they honor their LT Warranty to 2nd owners?

Finally, if anyone has a pair of LSi F/X’s...I am looking to buy a pair immediately. I’m located in North Western NJ.
Thank you all in advance for any info you can pass along. It is much appreciated.
jomat77
cheeg's avatar
cheeg
244 posts
 
@willemj -- The problem we still have with digital media is access to good source material; Chromecast Audio may be capable of streaming 24 bit, 96Khz files, but if the music on your device is Redbook quality (16 bit, 44Khz) or less, you are not going to hear the detail that you find in vinyl recordings.

Moreover, analog equipment does not have to be expensive to appreciate this difference. I recently found a fairly good quality used turntable for $150 on Craigslist, paired it with a $120 Nagaoka 110 cartridge, and the sound is noticeably better than I get from my CDs on a $1300 Cambridge CXU. This is not a knock on the CXU; it is a good unit, with a solid transport and decent DAC, but it cannot create detail that isn’t there in a 16/44 format.  Yes, you can get up to 24/96 resolution with a subscription to Tidal Masters (for $30/mo), but their library of HiDef material is very thin. Until we have dependable access to a comprehensive library of Hi-Res digital recordings, I will be very happy to hold onto my vinyl.


ericsch
752 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget a bit and for simplicity, I would recommend a used Rega P3 or P3-24 with an Elys 2 cartridge. You can also add a used Rega Fono or, for less $, a Nad phono preamp.
mesch
3,470 posts
 
Check out the Audio Technica PL120 TT. Cost about $270. A good most basic budget unit. Has a built in phonostage, however one that could be easily beat with an outboard one. Comes with the AT95E cartridge. 

Schiit Audio makes a quality budget moving magnet (MM) phono stage for $129.

Check out Needle Doctor, Music Direct, Audio Advisor online for alternative TTs and phonostages.

Good luck in your search!
 
jomat77 OP
4 posts
 
So am I correct in this....
The TT will either have a built in amp, or it will need to hook up to a separate Pre-amp, and then that will hook up to my AVR which runs to my speakers? 

If that's the case, I've seen multi channel pre-amps...should I be looking for one with a specific # of channels?

I do already have a vintage Pioneer PL-a25 TT sitting in the closet. Wasn't sure it was worth using or not. Sounds like I still need a pre-amp regardless, unless the TT I end up using has one built in. I'm gathering these built-ins can be of lesser power/quality...perhaps? 
Still learning some of the jargon on here so my apologies if I don't pick things up immediately. 

I'm trying to take all the info I'm seeing in here and research it out on the web. 

Thank you all again.
mesch
3,470 posts
 
There are some older audio video receivers that have phonostages. Does yours? There would be a pair or input RCAs labeled phono and a grounding post nearby on the back if so. If not you will need a separate phonostage (phono preamplifier). Phonostages built into TTs are not of highest quality.

I am not familiar with your Pioneer TT, however I would break it out, clean it up, and check it out for function using an inexpensive cartridge. Often they just need a belt. 
More to discover