Direct Drive

OK the Technics 1500 is working and I’ve bought a few records. Unfortunately I am having a problem with the phono preamps that I had in storage as they both don’t seem to be working. I knew one was problematic but was disappointed that the other isn’t producing any sound, as it was fine when last used but hey, it’s been in storage for 6 years. The tt has a built in phono preamp-glad I opted for that— so that is what has been used. I also picked up a used Project usb preamp for about $30, as I am intending to digitalize some lps, and it does work but predictably sounds like you know what when just used as a preamp alone, but at least the fact that it works let’s me know that there isn’t a problem with the output of the tt itself.

So using the included pre amp I am impressed with the speed stability of the table. Also these used recordings sound dead quiet. However the volume is meh. I have to push my Cary SLP-3 preamp to its limit to get a volume that is about 80% of my normal listening level.

  So I want a new phono preamp but I have kind of hit the budget at the moment.  I am thinking of something in the 200-$300 range hoping that I can at least get to a normal listening level.  Yes, I have read the threads here that suggest the phono should cost as much as the tt, but reality is intruding.  I don’t see this as ever being more than a secondary source for me anyway.  I am going to ask a bricks and mortar store if they will let me home demo something in that range

You might be able to find a used Parks Puffin in that price range. 

Parks Puffin goes for just a bit more new and does have a volume control but I’d like to audition it first.  The Cambridge Audio phono amp is also on my list 

There is nothing wrong with the set up you are thinking about.  It will reliably play records and last for years.  The difficulty for you will be that it will sound inferior to just about and cd player you might listen to so you are kind of setting yourself up to always prefer digital.  You need to know yourself and understand your expectations.  If you just want to be able to play records that may come along and treat the analog as a secondary source then a Technics 1500C and Ortofon Red is just fine.  But it will not, repeat NOT, allow you to hear the full potential of analog reproduction.  Not even close.