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Putting together first system... clueless.

Hello everyone, I've begun piecing together my first system, and I'm not really sure what to do in regards to the preamp. Vinyl is going to be the only source for the system.

The goals of the system are minimalism (as little as possible between the record and the speakers), and upgradeability. I figure, if I do it this way, can more easily learn about the differences in components and get a good feel for what I like and need, and upgrade accordingly.

It's a budget system and I should only spend about $3-4k for the entire system. The equipment I've bought so far is a Rega RP1 w/performance pack, and a Musical Fidelity VLPS-II. I think I'm gonna go with something from Magnepan for the speakers, so I've got maybe $1-2k left.

My question is this: Are there any recommendations for an extremely minimal preamp stage that is basically just 1 source in/out, with a volume control? If this equipment doesn't exist, is it much of a factor in this system if it's just a volume control? (As in, I could just make it myself with quality parts without introducing terrible sound?)
baliacta
mikirob
955 posts
 
I've also owned Jolida, one of the great bargains in audio. I'd second that as well.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Baliacta, with Wolf's advice you can upgrade tubes and buy even more vinyl.
truemaineiac's avatar
truemaineiac
249 posts
 
Baliacta, a lot depends on what type of music you will be listening to the most and the type of sound that you like. I would really encourage you to seek out as many systems as you can to hear so that you can get a feel for the differences between the many choices. Buying used on here can be very beneficial, there is a search feature that allows you to put in your zip code so you can find whatever is local. It may be possible to listen to a few items before you buy if you look that way. Good luck.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Next step is to choose speakers and an integrated that matches well. Integrated amps have come a long way and there are many excellent current models available.

Try the archives to see what others members are using.
I like the Rogue Audio Cronus tube integrated.
baliacta OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for your help everyone. I really appreciate the advice. The Lores look better on paper than the Omens, and the smaller pricetag is nice. With the low power requirements of these speakers, it looks like I could go with any of these Jolida amps. Is there a threshold where having more headroom begins to have diminishing returns in regards to helping out with the sound?
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