Phono Preamp Suggestions | Stereophile.com

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Submitted By: Tomdabomb09

member

Joined: Dec 17 2010

Posts:

Phono Preamp Suggestions

Posted: September 1, 2012 - 10:24pm

My roommate bought an Audio-Technica AT-LP60 turntable. The turntable has both phono out and line out. My amplifier doesn't have a phono input, so I must use the pre-amp in the turntable. I'm not really a huge fan of the sound. I've seen some really cheap pre-amps on amazon.com for around $20. Is it worth it to buy one, or would it not really improve my sound much? I'm almost embarrassed to put the links up.

http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PP999-Phono-Turntable-Pre-Amp/dp/B00025742A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346563126&sr=8-1&keywords=phono+preamp

http://www.amazon.com/PYLE-PRO-PP444-Compact-Turntable-Preamp/dp/B004HJ1TTQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1346563126&sr=8-2&keywords=phono+preamp

Unfortunately, my budget is pretty low, under $100, because I'm also in the market for a new receiver, for which my budget is around $300. Should I just buy a receiver with a phono input, or would an external pre-amp, however cheap, sound better?

Submitted By: jackfish

senior member

Location: Western Wisconsin

Joined: Dec 19 2005

Posts:

The turntable is a severe limitation to producing good sound.

Posted: September 4, 2012 - 9:12am

Quote:

I'm not really a huge fan of the sound.

Getting a sub-$100 phono preamp likely will not do much to improve the sound as the turntable itself presents significant limitations.

That said, if you are looking for a stereo receiver with a decent phono section, the Harman Kardon HK3490 is on sale right now on the web for under $300. The phono stage in the HK3490 is likely as good as anything you will get for under $100.