2. amps-preamps
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A decent preamp to complete my setup?

Hey everyone! I'm absolutely new to the hobby and am coming along with a turntable setup and have everything besides my preamp. So far I have a Technics sl-1200mkd3 turntable, two svs ultra bookshelf speakers, and a NuForce STA200 160 watt amp. I'm loving the setup so far because apparently the NuForce will do well with the SVS speakers, but I've been cautioned to use a preamp that has as low gain as possible since apparently the NuForce has a lot already (I admit I'm not too sure if this is a big deal or even much of an issue, but initially it makes sense). I've heard somewhere in the 2-3db region is great, but have no idea where to look for something like that. My budget is $300-$350 so I'm hoping that's enough to get something decent, do you guys have any suggestions? I don't want any bells or whistles like streaming, DAC, etc. Just a good preamp with volume control that's simple to run from my turntable to my amp. If the perfect piece of equipment for me is a little outside of my range I suppose I'd have no problem saving up a bit more to get it, but I'm hoping something that gives me the bare bones I'm looking for will be decently in my range.
bacom15
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,408 posts
 

From the Absolute Sound...
The STA200 is a Class A/B amp with 80 watts of output into 8 ohms, 34.4dB gain.

With some preamplifiers, the STA200’s high gain could mean that the preamplifier could be operating in a less than optimal gain range.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/optoma-nuforce-sta200-power-amplifier/

SVS Speakers...
freq. response: 45-32,000 Hz (±3dB)
recommended amplifier power: 20-150 watts
sensitivity: 87 dBnominal impedance: 8 ohms
bass-reflex cabinet with rear-firing port

Your speakers are 8 ohm so they should be a good match in terms of sensitivity and power with your amp.
As you stated, the NuForce has a high gain and would match well with a preamp of approximately 12 to 15dB.
The 2 or 3db quoted to you may really be 12 or 13dB.

Since your source is TT, the gain of the cartridge and phonostage also must be considered.
Do you know what cart you will be using?


bacom15 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for all the information and clarification lowrider! Talking shop with specs is still a very new practice to me, but it's great to hear from someone who knows what they're talking about that the original caution about gain wasn't completely off base!

At the moment I don't have an idea for what cartridge I'll be using, but that's mostly because I wanted to do some looking around back home in person at local shops to get a better idea (and understanding) of how they worked and functioned. Taking into account the gain of both the cartridge, phono stage, and preamp however, I'd greatly appreciate any recommendations for either that would help me get an idea of what to look for or even just flat out purchase. Like I said I'm perfectly fine expanding my budget by saving up more at the cost of getting everything up and running sooner, so at this point I'd like to assume I'm decently flexible on price points. I won't be able to throw around $4,000 for a preamp or anything of that magnitude, but I certainly am okay with moving a decent ways out of my original $300 mark since I need other components regardless.
soix
9,165 posts
 
If I'm you, I'd take a look at the Schiit Saga preamp and Mani phono preamp, which are $350 and $130, respectively.  The Mani will handle MM and MC cartridges, so you're not constrained depending on which cartridge you eventually choose.  The cool thing about the Saga is you can use it as a passive preamp that will probably work well with your amp, but you can also try it in active mode with a tube buffer to see if that sounds better to you.  And you can even play around with tubes if you want to try to refine your sound in one direction or another.  Anyway, that's what I'd do at your price point.  Best of luck. 
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,300 posts
 
An excellent  suggestion from Soix.
bacom15 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the amazing recommendations Soix! I looked at both and they seem like exactly what I'd want out of my components at this point in time, plus the price points are right on the money! I'm excited to see it all come together when I get back home and get everything situated. Again thanks for the great information and recommendations. 
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