First Post Looking for Integrated Amplifier

Justin,

Welcome to the madness, and look for a well cared for NAD receiver or integrated with phono inputs (avoid the T-series, however, as they have reliability issues). I would get one right here on AG, not the Bay. These amps sound GREAT, are well-made, and will drive your speakers effortlessly. They range from 20-150 watts, btw, and even the little 20-watters kick but.

Hi Justin- You stated that your receiver does not have a phono input and that your pre-amp must be turned up to nearly full volume. We still need to know more information to helop you. How are you connecting the pre-amp output to your receiver, does your pre-amp have a phono input, and if so, is it identified as MM or MC. Finally, what kind of cartridge is in your turntable? If you don't know the answers, tell us what the make and models are and we can probably figure it out.

Right now there are several possible problems.
1. Your pre-amp may also lack a phono input. The output from a phono cartridge is much lower than the output from a CD, DVD, video game player (which can go to any non-phono input on a pre, integrated, or receiver). The phono cart output needs additional amplification and must also be equalized (tonally adjusted) to compensate for physical limitations of the LP medium. If this is the problem, you either need a stand alone phono stage or an integrated or receiver that has a phono stage built in. Pretty hard to find a current receiver that has one these days. Some integrated amps do; and some pre-amps do.
2. If your pre-amp has a phono stage, it may not have enough gain for the cartridge. Some cartridges (mostly moving coil types) have outputs in the 0.02- 1 millivolt range, which is not enough to drive a typical phono stage and require a step up device of some kind. More "conventional" cartridges as called moving magnet (MM) and have an output typically in the 2-5 mv range, and can drive a typical (or MM) phono stage adequately w/o a step-up.

If either your pre-amp lacks a phono stage or your cart is a lower output MC design and your pre-amps phono stage is designed (or switched) for an MM design, you will get very low volume. If #1 is true, you will also get a signal that requires tonal adjustment.

I assume that you are taking the output of your pre-amp and feeding it into one of the inputs of your receiver. If so, once you get a proper phono stage, you would want to feed that into the pre-amp in input on your receiver, if it has one. If not, then you would need either a separate power amp, or a different receiver w a pre-amp level input.

You need a phono input, not a line input; follow Swampwalker's advice. An NAD integrated with phono stage would also be my choice, they stand the test of time. Be aware that NAD integrateds are often sold w/o a phono stage, but can be added on.
Also tell us what TT and cartridge you're using.

Reliable NAD seller, but no phono stage...
[url]http://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-nad-c-326bee-c326bee-integrated-amplifier-with-manufacturer-s-warranty-free-shipping-2013-12-18-integrateds-01060-florence-ma[/url]

Follow Swampwalkers advice plus this: if your preamp has a tape out, use that instead of the pre out. The tape out is not affected by the volume control and will pass the phono signal through in the cleanest manner.

I would look for an NAD, Marantz PM6004 (New $399) or if phono is really important to you, prehaps a Rega Brio 3. (No headphone jack on the Rega though.) I'm using a little NAD 302 Int. amp which is a VERY nice sounding and has plenty of juice at "only" 20w per ch. My NAD 302 has a warmer sound than my vintage Sansui AU-D33. Honestly, I've owned Marantz in the past and if I was buying new, I'd get the Marantz 6004 for $399 New. (While supplies last. would not delay for long though.) Music Hall 15.3 would be another possibilty. (I've seen $420 demo on AudiogoN) LOTS of choices. Good Luck! Bill