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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
bacom15
A decent preamp to complete my setup?

Your NuForce STA200 only needs a minuscule 0.45v input for full wattage output. And it’s got 50kohm input impedance, good for anything. Which makes an ideal candidate for a unity gain or low gain preamp.

Schiit Remote controlled Freya+ comes to mind for a combo of 3 x low gain preamps in one, switchable from passive to solid state to tube.
https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

And they also do a phono stage if you need one. 
https://www.schiit.com/products/mani 

All their products come with a 15 day trial period

Cheers George

mesch
3,434 posts
 
Wonder what becom15 chose to do?
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Parasound P3 or p5 have phono section?
both great preamps. 
A good used preamp would fit nicely, & save you some coin.

   
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,957 posts
 
If you notice those numbers don't add up to $2500 that's because I take $500 right off the top for my time and expertise.

@millercarbon Are you really serious? You are charging this lady 500.00?
I can only think I must not have read that right.

I am always happy to offer advice to a novice. I will even spend my time doing the legwork and send links of equipment I'd recommend. It never crossed my mind to ask for a penny.

You should be happy to bring someone else into the fold. Not charging commission. Unbelievable.

Oz




arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
for that price, there are a ton on fleabay, BUT, beware, get protection, check the seller out w a magnifying glass if you can. Fleabay full of sheisters. 

 Onkyos are abundant, p series, and others. 
the audiosource preamp one has been known to sound straight wire and last a long time. For the budget, any descent brand will do,.....just make sure about the condition of the preamp.

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