2. analog
  3. 172765-2047

Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)

I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.

My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's,  and a Marantz 5004 cd player.  I'm pretty happy with all three.

I'm looking to get into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended.  I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.

I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.

So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want).  He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.

He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.

Just thinking out loud.  I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.

TIA

klimt
klimt OP
183 posts
 

Hey waytoomuchstuff, 

Thanks for the post.  I'm actually very happy with the B&W's and they may have already been modified.  I bought them used.  

I brought them to a hi fi shop years ago and the salesperson was slightly amazed, saying they sounded a lot better than he expected. 

As for the Denon, 

I am sort of attached to them as they were a major upgrade from a Sansui receiver I had in the past, but I"m willing to upgrade now. 

I definitely would like to hear these speakers with more power.  As I mentioned I'd also like to have a streaming option and a better pre amp. 

Thanks again.

klimt OP
183 posts
 

Hey elliott, 

I"m not interested in starting a new system as I'm very happy with my speakers and the Marantz 5004 cd player.

I"d like to build from these.

Thanks for the detailed post. You've been very helpful.

The post to waytoomuchstuff is also for you. 

Thanks again.

 

klimt OP
183 posts
 

Also, is canuckaudiomart as reliable and trustworthy as audiogon?

klimt OP
183 posts
 

I mean, is their seller reputation as good?

 

TIA

klimt OP
183 posts
 

Anyone know how the Parasound Halo integrated compares with the NAD C388 integrated amp?

TIA

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