Hi everyone. My name is Jeff, and I'm have a couple of questions I hope someone experienced can help me with.

I've been listening to and buying vinyl for about a year. My GF has a Panasonic "component" stereo that's probably from the late 80s early 90s, that has a twin tape deck, receiver, and a TT built in on top. It's pretty sufficient. But I learned that once the needle goes that's it. You can't replace it or the cartridge apparently. SO...

Her father gave us his old Technics SL B200 TT. And of course, being green as I am, I connect it to my 1 year old, LG stereo system and of course I'm sure you all know how it sounded I didn't know. So I've spent the past week reading about phono preamps...

Now...my question is...what kind of preamp might you think be appropriate for that TT? Will I likely get a better sound out of that TT with my good stereo or should I just stick with the adequate Panasonic that I have?

Or...is it just worth it to shell out the money for a new TT with a built in preamp?

I'm very confused? Also - circuit city (I'm in Ontario and alas no RadioShack) has a relatively cheap battery powered preamp. Worth it? Should I spend more $$$?

Thanks to anyone that can help...Jeff