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Getting into Vinyl...

Was wondering what you guys would recommend for a phono preamp for someone just getting into vinyl and not looking to make this a passion. I am just trying to work some vinyl into my system (VTL 5.5, Krell 2250, b&w 804s) to play with on occasion, not looking to spend alot of money.

The players I have been looking into are the Rega P1, just not sure on the phono pre amp side of things. I was considering a SS phono pre since I already have a Tube pre amp. Is this a good line of thinking?? I don't want to lose bass if possible, and i know having all tube can cause this.

I know nothing about vinyl, except it sounds great and looks fun, so any help is throroughly appreciated.
jc51373
g_m_c
443 posts
 
With the Rega P1, you may want to go with a MM cartridge. There are some nice used and cost effective phono-pre amps on Audigon. Search the classifieds and then search the unit you can afford in the forums for information, look on Vinyl Asylum as well. have fun.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
Thanks everyone....Not sure what MM or MC is, I have an idea...Moving Magnet, or Moving Coil??? Either way, I have no idea why it is important-sorry. Whatever it is, I want to know, as I don't want to learn I missed some very important detail after I purchase a set up.

So SS or Tube phono pre?
g_m_c
443 posts
 
It's time for you to start searching and reading the forums here. You will find ss and tube units in your price range. Try searching for something like "low budget phono stage" in the discussion forum.
jc51373 OP
548 posts
 
I have been searching, and completely understand the concept. I am looking for a helpful individual to contribute and offer up some suggestions. I will continue to search, like I have been, in the meantime.
hodu
319 posts
 
I'd suggest that you listen to Elizabeth. And that you pick up an inexpensive SS phono preamp. (The Rega P1, I'm pretty sure, comes with a mounted cartridge, so you'll be using what they give you. Which will be a moving magnet.) You'll find people here who will scare you off of vinyl. (Though I don't believe that's their intent.) They will tell you that you need doctors from Africa to look at your stylus and that you've got to stand on your head while you clean your records on a machine that has been blessed by a Zen master, and that when it is raining three states away you'd best not play your mono LPs or all of your hair will fall out. Stuff like that. They are probably right about at least some of what they say. But you can go down all of those road when you desire. I started with a decent little 'table and a decent little cartridge and less than a decent little phono preamp -- and I really really really began to enjoy listening to vinyl again. And now I've got a better 'table and a better cart' and a better phono pre, and I'm liking records more than ever. The point -- at least from here -- is that you shouldn't be scared. Records sound great and they are tons of fun. (I'be prolly bought 100 records in the past few months and maybe six CDs in that same time.) Remember that this is supposed to be fun. And about music. And then spin the black circle.
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