Below $300?

Well somebody is going suggest you don't need a sub just yet and suggest the JBL LSR305's. So let's get that out of the way.

My go to suggestions keep evolving as newer gear comes out. Currently I'd say:

1. BIC DV62SI for speakers. Well reviewed, but for some reason not many professional reviews. I have no idea why. I'd also suggest the Fluance SX6, because I have a pair and like them, but a well respected reviewer didn't, so take it for what it's worth. They need a little time to open up, but I've found them quite nice for their price, with a tweeter that can run hot but be tamed. Another popular choice is the Pioneer BS22, which IMO is too muted in the highs. It's all dependent on the listener, but they are often on sale under $100.
   
   https://www.parts-express.com/bic-venturi-dv62si--6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-pair--303-402
   
   
2. Monoprice 12" Subwoofer. It's $99. There are better subs out there, but in at least one blind test it beat out pretty much anything in the under $200 category. For the price, it seems to be one of the better subs you can get.
   
   https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090602&p_id=9723&seq=1&format=2
   
   
3. Don't laugh...NobSound Mini 50x50 BT amp. This thing looks like a joke. But I just got one on a lark and found out it's honestly capable of driving many different speakers at pretty decent levels. It's not going to make your ears bleed, but it can get fairly loud for a small room. It also functions as a decent headphone amp, has BT, accepts mini USB in, and all for THIRTY DOLLARS. It actually comes with a power supply and a bunch of connection cords as well.
   
   Edit: I got the updated version which does NOT have a 3.5mm out. It can't function as a headphone amp.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B06Y67PZB1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509502947&sr=8-3&keywords=nobsound+mini
   
   I'll also add in the Nobsound Tube Preamp for a decent preamp with tubes and tone controls. Nothing fancy, but it's cheap and a good conversation piece.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Vacuum-Preamplifier-Digital-Control/dp/B01NBM5CTN/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1509054033&sr=8-6&keywords=tube+preamp
   
   After that just add some speaker wire and you're golden.
   
   
   

A chromecast audio is all you need for spotify.

Those are pretty good. To power them you'd need an amplifier, but for hip-hop, I'm sure some day you'll want to add a subwoofer, which would kinda force you to get a multichannel amp now (stereo amplifiers aren't able to divide the frequencies correctly between sub and speakers) and a beefy multichannel amp is going to cost you $400: if that's within your budget, then go for it. It's certainly the most convenient solution because an AV receiver allows you to connect anything you might get in the future: consoles, bluray players, chromecast video, turntable (for that you'll need a phono preamp though).

Otherwise I would recommend you something entirely different: 2x JBL LSR308s or Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: they go deeper than those B&Ws with a still great sound quality; and they're powered speakers, which means each has built in amplifiers, requiring no additional gear other than a volume controller for convenience. You would hook up the chromecast to the volume controller with the bundled 3.5mm cable and then run a pair of RCA to 6.3mm TS cables to the speakers, one for each. Done.

For the turntable, you'll eventually get a phono preamp with a switch and multiple inputs like this (but if I were you, I'd stick to digital music unless you inherit a collection).

With these a subwoofer would be less important (because again, they go deeper by themselves), but I'm sure you'd add one eventually: in that case you'd just have to make sure that the sub has high-pass filtered outputs (SVS subs do, for example, and they're good - a high pass filter ensures that the main speakers aren't goint to reproduce the same frequencies of the sub, improving their performance and eliminating the unwanted overlap) so that you could add it to the chain with ease (between volume controller and speakers).

Mani for the gain switch adjustments on the bottom to better match your cartridge.

See Taking the Guesswork out of Phonostage Gain and KAB PHONO PREAMP PARAMETER COMPUTER.

CA oddly only has a balance adjustment.

More options with adjustable gain:

• Hagerman Audio Labs Bugle3 $189. Has switches to select various Gain and Loading options.
  
• Emotiva XPS-1 $199. User select-able termination impedance for Moving Coil cartridges.
  
• Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono $299 Match preamp settings to your cartridge to get the best possible sound, variable input impedance and adjustable gain, switchable mono mode and subsonic noise filter.
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box S $449 $299. Switchable input impedance/capacitance settings and three adjustable gain levels. Switchable subsonic filter
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 $399 Five variable input impedance settings are available to adjust to any MM cartridge.
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box DS $699 $399. Switchable input impedance/capacitance and gain level settings for better cartridge and system matching.
  
• DSP: Puffin Phono DSP $449.

Hello,

I would recommend Music Hall MMF 2.2 for your turntable, which is one of the best entry-level audiophile grade turntables out there.

You will need an amplifier with a phono stage and a headphone out jack, or you could get a standalone phono stage and headphone amp if you don't plan on using speakers.

As for headphone amps, a great audiophile grade amp (which pairs very well with the 650s) is the Cute Beyond. This paired with a good phono stage like the Cambridge 540P will give you a really great sound.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions! (I actually have this exact setup, 650s included. I love it.)

I'm glad this question came up! I just found out about the perfect piece of kit that solves your problem and ones that you didn't even ask about.

First, in order to connect from any phono preamp's RCA connection the 1/4" input of your monitors you will need a mono-RCA-to-mono-1/4" cable. Like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-Cable-HOS-CPR201-Dual/dp/B000068O16

Now you will need a phono preamp. Normally I recommend the ART DJ Pre II. It's a very good, affordable phono preamp that offers great performance, especially for its price bracket. It's the preamp I currently use. Before I settled on the DJ Pre II, I tested a number of phono pre's, including the Behringer you linked to and another popular budget pre, the TCC TC-750.

The difference between the Behringer and the other two was apparent and immediately noticeable. The Berhringer was more veiled and less dynamic than the other two. When comparing the ART and the TCC models, I thought the DJ Pre II was more neutral and a bit clearer than the TC-750. But is wasn't the very obvious difference between it and the Behringer. It was more degrees of subtlety.

So why don't i think you should get the DJ Pre II? Convenience. TCC makes another phono preamp model, the TCC TC-754. Not only is it a phono preamp, but it also includes a volume attenuator (control) and four-input audio switcher. Why are these important? The volume control for your monitors is on the back of the unit. With the TC-754 you can use the volume control on the unit to adjust it with ease. And the input selector will allow you to not only hook your turntable up, but also MP3, CD, computer or what have you and switch between them. Otherwise you would need to remove the RCA from the standalone phono preamp every time you wanted to use a different source.

While I personally haven't used it, I have used the TC-750 which its phono pre is based on. I think it would be a very good solution for hooking a turntable to your monitors.

http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK/

Getting your speakers properly coupled to the floor may do more good than spending a boatload on a new cartridge. Also may cancel the need for the wub-woofer

As for the phono pre-amp, I'd say it's worth it. I have the same amp but without the DAC (A-S500) and A/B comparison between my phono pre-amp vs the built in one is pretty different. I'm using the cheap $130 Chi-Fi "Little Bear Tube Phono Pre-Amp". Some assembly required, but it sounds great. Adds a little hum, but you will likely not notice it. Improves bass response in my findings, as well. The phono stage built into modern amps is "good enough". The Little Bear is outstanding.

The one I linked is an improved version of the one I bought just 6 months ago. They're making it more and more of a no brainer!

awesome front-end you've got. Congratulations. I gave a Debut along with phono pre-amp to my brother so that he could re-discover vinyl - he loves it. the pre-amp doesn't seem to be available any longer in the US, but this is the closest I could find:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATPEQ3-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B001649QY0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

as far as speakers - they are very much a personal matter of taste. I like the sound of ribbon and planar -based drivers [not cone ] but I can't afford those out there now. I did audition some MHi Evidence {$650 / PAIR } that marry a cone woofer to a ribbon tweeter. Very nice. Here is a detailed review + interview of the engineer. You get a feeling for the sonic signature and the man whose personality is responsible.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/mhi/evidence.html

You need to find your own preferred 'signature' - good hunting!

If I am interpreting things correctly the subwoofer output of the kanto speaker/amp is not providing enough signal strength for you to reach the preferred subwoofer output levels---even with the sub gain at max.

1)you can use a Y splitter at the sub. This will increase the signal strength 6dB. These can usually be found for a few bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Conwork-2-Pack-RCA-Splitter-Adapter/dp/B072Q7GMTH/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&qid=1523374308&sr=8-20&keywords=subwoofer+y+splitter

You can add an external "gain box". This will significantly increase the signal strength from the sub output.

https://www.amazon.com/STEREO-LINE-PRE-AMPLIFIER-15DB-12VDC/dp/B00I01ZNUS/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1523374425&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=mcm+electronics%2C+gain+box

ELI5??

if your record player is vintage, it won't include a pre-amp.

so whatever solution you go with, will need to include a phono amp.

that being said, with space at a premium (you in new york?) i would definitely lean towards powered speakers.

-

https://www.presonus.com/products/Eris-E45

https://www.amazon.com/PreSonus-Eris-E4-5-Powered-Monitors/dp/B00GP56OYA/

i have the Eris 3.5's and they sound fantastic. have for 5+ years now.

the 4.5's will have an even fuller range without being pissing off the neighbors.

-

another good option would be Fluance AI40's

https://www.fluance.com/powered-2-0-bluetooth-active-5-inch-bookshelf-speakers-bamboo

https://www.amazon.com/Fluance-Bookshelf-Amplifier-Turntable-Bluetooth/dp/B07CLDGXX1/

the ai40's have built in bluetooth.

i have fluance floor speakers, and they sound great.

so i would expect solid performance from their powered bookshelf.

-

phono preamps aren't too spendy

https://www.amazon.com/GOgroove-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier-Adapter/dp/B00WNLIHJA/

https://www.amazon.com/GOgroove-Preamplifier-Connection-Equalization-Adapter/dp/B07JHBFGYS/

would be nice if there was one that was phono and other inputs too, can't seem to find one.

-

these seem fancy. if you've got $100 more in your budget.

https://www.peachtreeaudio.com/m24-powered-speakers.html

https://www.amazon.com/Peachtree-Audio-Powered-Speakers-Bamboo/dp/B077VBZXDD/

might be worth it... for the extra money you don't need the separate phono preamp, and you get a DAC with optical or USB inputs. so you can drive them from your computer too. plus bluetooth and a remote.

don't have any experience with this company.

Out of the ones I've seen recommended in this sub:

> "I just need something."

• ART DJPREII - $49
  
  > "I want something decent."
  
  
• Pro-Ject Phono Box MM - $79
  
• U-Turn Pluto - $99
  
  > "I want something really good."
  
  
• Pro-Ject Phono Box - $129
  
• Schiit Mani - $129
  
• Emotiva Audio XPS-1 - $179
  
  ***
  
  I've personally had my eye on a Schiit Mani but might save up for a Tube Box S. I play guitar so anything tube kinda draws me in. I still need to mod the preamp out of my LP120 so I don't fully know how well my Klipsch's preamp is performing. If it's good enough then I can save up for the Tube Box S.

I’m in the same situation with an older receiver (hdmi 1.4) and a LG 4K Oled. The receiver supports TrueHD, DTS MA, etc so I wanted to extend its life.

I picked up a hdmi audio extractor from Amazon. The shield goes into the extractor, then it splits the video and audio with 2 hdmi outputs. It sends 4K HDR @ 60hz to the TV and bitstream audio to my receiver. It works very well, but occasionally has a handshake issue and I need to power cycle the extractor. Still worth it since it works very well otherwise. Also, make sure to use certified 18Gbps hdmi cables, I used monoprice cables (also on Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755TB82Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_woxeBT1Oz9ZOR

Hope that helps!

Be careful the VP130 can have some hum issues if you do not upgrade the power supply and the main deal for me if that I have to remember to unplug power every night since there is no on/off switch on the thing and unlike solid state keeping a tube device on all the time you are going to go through tubes like fucking crazy.

NAD PP2i is supposed to be really incredible at just $99 and well reviewed:
http://www.amazon.com/NAD-Electronics-Energy-Saving-Preamplifier/dp/B00BX49972

I really like the amp you choose in the Emotiva. You might want to give some thought to the Klipsch Synergy B-20 Stereophile recommended and just $199 at newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780029

I think the amp + speakers give you more flexibility.

Other speakers I really like are Paradigm Atom Monitors at $398 online.

Or MusicDirect has Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 at $349:
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15476-wharfedale-diamond-101-bookshelf-speaker-pr.aspx

I have recommended those before and everyone seems to love.

Now, it might be too late for this round because I've already bought an integrated receiver, but are there any reasonably priced pieces of kit that do the job of a receiver but can pass the amplification parts to a dedicated component? When I was looking at the JBLs, I was trying to find something that would take my multiple sources (HDMI, phone, etc), modulate volume via remote control, and send it along.

I opted for an integrated receiver because I couldn't find anything that would fulfill the rest of the functions I needed, and the only thing I found remotely similar was https://www.amazon.com/Parasound-Zpre2-Audio-Video-Preamplifier/dp/B001RIKIV0/ref=lp_689995011_1_13?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1504569461&sr=1-13 and was poorly reviewed and had no hdmi inputs or the like.

Now, for the big boys, I can see how they'd want to tie the two together as to make you buy a more expensive receiver if you need any of the associated features, but as I upgrade my components down the line, I'd love to be able to solve this. Sadly, without the convenience, the HAF (Husband Acceptance Factor) goes to shit.

I've got that same Onkyo unit plugged into this: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/aune-x1-pro-dac and I love it! The X1 is a pretty decent DAC, and I use it like a pre-amp for my 282. It's nice to have the volume knob accessible (I keep it beside my bed) and the larger headphone output.

Into the line-in of the X1 I plugged in one of these: http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK and have a record player and bluetooth adapter plugged in. I leave the audio knob at max for the tc-754 and just control it through the X1.

All in all, I think it's a great setup made from some fairly budget components to make a highly functional system.

Right the RT82 doesn't have a built in phonostage. The R81 does but it lacks the upgraded cartridge and speed controlled motor. I thought you might like Fluance since it's a Canadian company. it also has auto stop which I like since I get into projects while music is playing and can't always get up when the disc is done spinning. So I have passive speakers (Wharfedale Diamond 220) hooked into a receiver that does not have a phonostage (Denon AVRS540BT). Due to this fact I needed a preamp and chose this: (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LFN5QNV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) over the $70 Fluance amp because it had gain control. All together I am up and running for less than $700 and have a setup that I would consider "budget audiophile" although some may consider it mid grade consumer level. What are you running for speakers?

Rega is pretty nice.

Art DJ Pre is another good option in that price range

For a little more Cambridge makes excellent equipment as well.

Couldn't find anything else so figured I'd ask here. I need a small phono preamp to power my turntable and go to my powered studio monitors with an aux in for my speakers. I do not need or have room for a normal sized stereo/hi-fi receiver.


This is what I could find:

TEC Turntable / Phono Preamp Preamplifier $57

Nobsound Little Bear T7 Vacumn Tube Mini Phono Stage RIAA MM Turntable Preamp $54

I'd like to keep cost under or around $100, if possible. If it has bass/treble controls, you're a hero. Your help would be greatly appreciated!

Currently have a project debut carbon with some audio engine a2+ speakers. I dig the sound I am getting but looking to further improve it.

I had my eyes on the pro-ject phono s box tube amplifier. Anyone have any experience with this?

Pro-Ject Audio Tube Box S Phono Preamplifier - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MSMG90/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZAhiyb9WH1VTW

I've been doing some reading and not sure which route to go. Will the tube pre-amp impact my listening experience? Or am I better off going with a maranta amplifier with built in pre-amp and some passive speakers?

I am basically hunting that warmer sound.

So if you’re doing a tube hybrid amp and then a phono preamp, why not just get a regular amp and then a tube preamp?


Nobsound Little Bear T7 Vacumn Tube Mini Phono Stage RIAA MM Turntable Preamp & HiFi Tube Pre-Amplifier (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UGWU9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zvh0Db58HSG1F

I use one of these with the recommended tube upgrade. The cool thing is it can switch between a phono and just a regular preamp. I currently have a chromecast audio feeding into it and it adds a fun “smooth” distortion.


Riverstone Audio - Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - GE 5654W Platinum Grade Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BFJDTW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zwh0DbE7NE76J


Still less combined than the project phono and then you can save money on a different amp or better speakers

Yeah, it works great with my setup really gives my bass more depth.

Turntable > solid state phono stage > passive tube amp > active speakers (heos 7 hs2).

This is /budgetaudiophile right? But seriously I had a little bear too and it crapped out on me as well. This one is highly rated and I suggest it with upgraded tubes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBM5CTN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ignore the whole "not for turntables" thats what the solid state preamp is for the passive is just for further control of your sound stage.

>Thanks for your response! Now I know that I'll need both a phono pre and a headphone amp for this setup. Those Schitt units look good, but I was reading some reviews online indicating problems with RF interference with the Schitt Mani, and I live just downhill from a major tv/radio/cell tower. I e-mailed Schitt asking about this problem so we'll see what they say. The Jotunheim looks really good for when I'm ready to upgrade. Do you have any experience with the Fluance PA10? I can't really find many reviews online for it.
>
>Given that I'm using these cheapo speakers (which I'm also using for my computer audio), I'm thinking of just getting a GOgroove Pro phono preamp (link) to replace the DJPREII. Feature-wise it has everything I need and it's $50. Also, If I want to upgrade it's nice to have another cheap phono pre in a pinch. I figure if I'm using cheap speakers, cheap headphones, and a cheapish cart (om10), I can deal with a cheap phono preamp. This setup should give me something to compare against when I start spending more money to upgrade.
>
>Do you know of any other combo phono preamp / headphone amps that are around $100 or less? I'm trying to keep this whole setup cheap for the time being...give it a year or so and I'll start upgrading.

Okay. The mixer ...I'm thinking maybe your mixer is a bit "vintage"on this? Look to see if it has a switch that will accommodate ceramic or magnetic phono cartridges. Way back in the dark ages of early HiFi most record players had ceramic cartirdges ....these things put out a much higher signal than a magnetic cartridge ....and as such didn't need as much pre-amplification. I have an old Radio Shack small mixer that I think has a "Cer/Mag" switch on it. Make sure the switch is in the "MAG" position.

If there isn't a switch then the mixer preamp is probably okay with a magnetic cartridge. What kind of cartridge do you have on your TT? There are two kinds of magnetic cartridges: moving magnet and moving coil. Moving coil cartridges put out a much lower signal than a moving magnet and typically require a specific preamp able to handle them. Then again ...on your mixer ...is there a switch labelled "MM/MC"? If it's in the "MC" position flip it to the "MM" position.

Make sure the channel you have the TT assigned to is set for phono ...some mixers have a "Line/Phono" selector.

And then in the end, the preamp in the mixer might just be toast.

As for a preamp? I would recommend getting one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-Phono-Preamplifier-Black/dp/B007A0CYCK

Or it's predecessor, which I have:

http://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Audio-540P-Preamplifier-Silver/dp/B001052KDE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

Hope this helps ....

That SX-780 is a sweetheart. I am surprised you had struggles with it. The SX-x50 line up is debatibly better but I own both and have not heard much of a difference. I am currently using a SX-1250 (also own a 1280). Both recapped/diodes/transistors/etc etc replaced with high quality Nichicon, Wima, and Kemet caps. The difference is amazing.

If you were struggling with imaging/soundstage can be worked with in the pre-amp. Not sure if you can defeat the preamp in the 780 but you should be able to zero it out at least. At that point you could go tube pre-amp and really have some fun.

While budget I have something like this that I combine with the preamp on the 1250 (run in line with the aux input). Not necessary but really added a bit of warmth to the sound. I'd give that 780 another shot. After the 80 series it turned into black plastic crap minus a few choice pieces. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBM5CTN/

I am looking to choose the best budget pre-amp of these 3 (or similar suggestion) for my vinyl setup:

1. Music hall PA 1.2 phono pre-amp
   
2. ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier
   
3. Fosi Audio P1 Tube Pre-amp
   
   I currently have the Music Hall PA 1.2 (came with the TT) but I'm open to selling it and buying a cheaper, better pre-amp. Not particularly impressed with the power or sound, and the blue light is blinding. Glad it came with the TT and wasn't purchased separately on my own dime.
   
   

   SETUP:
   

   
   TT: Debut Carbon Esprit SB (DC) w/ Ortofon Red
   Receiver: Yamaha RX-V379 (no built in pre-amp)
   Towers: Klipsch RP-280F x2
   Center: Klipsch R-52C
   Surrounds: Klipsch R-14S x2
   Sub: Klipsch R-150 SPL 15"

Phono preamps don't usually have a volume control. They bump the output of the turntable up to line level and correct the equalization, but any volume control is done via the amplifier.

If you look at something like this you'll see it has a specific set gain for MM vs MC cartridges, which can't be changed.

The Starter set just includes volume control, cables, and isolation pads if you're putting the speakers right on your desk. It's definitely not necessary, just an easy all in one package.

Advantage of volume control is self explanatory, windows volume control isn't always perfect and having something physical to control volume is simply nicer. There's a lot of products that can do this, some with more features than others. I'll link a couple in different prices brackets.

• PAC - $10
  
• Volbox - $20
  
• Nobsound - $40
  
• JBL (Standalone) - $60
  
  Really up to you on how much you want to spend. Prices deltas are mostly due to build quality. If you have your eye on one let me know and I can tell you what cables you'll need, as each one will have a different set.

Looks like there are options, you're right that I misjudged the ART. I might be wrong, but it looks like the Pro-Ject Tube Box can be used to control the output with that variable dial. And there seems to be a bunch of no-name phono preamps in the sub-$100 range with volume controls - TEC, Muslady, Fosi... can't vouch for the quality but it does look like it's an option, at least.

yeah, I was looking at this as a potential solution as well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I01ZNUS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A21C4U5X700J66&psc=1

Maybe I'll break out the multimeter tomorrow and see what the output voltage on the sub channel looks like.

Solved!

Just bought this and works like a charm. By splitting the signal, i now have 4k @ 60hz on TV and get lossless audio on receiver. Now I can hold off on a receiver.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755TB82Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_BDJHAbN4KNSFR

Hmmm- maybe a slight gain boost out of amp and into sub via this item- I have and it’s solid- Stereo LINE PRE-Amplifier, 15DB, 12VDC.

Or running two cables out of speakers? Lose the crossover on sub option but maybe better sound from speakers.

As I said- my wharfedale Denton’s were entirely new speakers when I added some juice- which at first was only an onkyo 100/wpc m-282 amp that I scored for $100 +/-

If you just want a passive attenuator, Little Bear makes this for a great deal and switchable functionality

I assume the optical is for connecting your AV receiver, consider a device like this , you can then choose nearly any streamer that supports your other criteria.

I have the TCC TC-754 and it sounds wonderful!
http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK

They also make a smaller version of this is you do not need the additional aux inputs.

I've heard good things about the Audio Technica that amazon had for $46 until last week.

Check out needledoctor.com if you want the "quality" preamps. I think I'll be spending quite a bit more than $50 on mine.

Preamps are rarely a bottleneck in setups compared to cartridges and receivers. In other words, you will be better off spending a little less on the preamp and a little more on the receiver/TT/cartridge.

That being said it is your money, and all of the propositions on the list are good options. In my experience NAD is a reputable brand, and if I were you I would check out this model.

I think that it really comes down to aesthetics, features and functionality, as opposed to sound (unless you are a grade A audiophile I highly doubt that you will notice a significant difference between multiple preamps in the same price range).

So I've been in the market for a new Phono Pre Amp and I saw some great reviews of the Little Bear RIAA Preamp and decided to pull the trigger along with buying new bulbs . When I got it all setup properly I turned it on and put on a record and it sounds completely muffled and not that loud. I unplugged everything and even made sure it was grounded, but I still couldn't fix it.

Are there any recommendations on what I should do?

Here's my setup -
Table: Pro-Ject Audio Debut Carbon DC Esprit SB
Cartridge: 2M Red
Pre Amp: Little Bear RIAA T7
Receiver: Yamaha R-S202BL
Speakers: Klipsch RP-280F

Is that considered better or are you recommending it because it's cheaper?

I'm assuming you're talking about this one?

Total noob when it comes to gear and set up, but I've got a turntable with a built in preamp and my speaker has an auxiliary input so I can use my headphones.

I am upgrading speakers and while I know the speakers can function without a preamp, I want to buy a preamp to be able to still use my headphones and am wondering if this preamp will be capable of doing so (with the proper cord)?

https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier-Amplifier-Control/dp/B004MIY372

Since they are 4-6Ω it is going to be a touchy thing getting something with those nominal loads to not overload most modern receivers. If you DON'T need video switching you can get away with a pre-amp+amp and do this a lot better with something like TCC preamp and a Behringer A500

Thanks. Is this the pre your looking at?

Roger that. So PC to DAC via USB. DAC to AMP via RCA. AMP to SUB high level input via speaker cable. SUB high level output to Miccas via speaker cable. Do I have the correct? Nothing else needed?

Can I still add this tube pre-amp in between the DAC and AMP to allow bass and treble control?

I think you should add a preamplfier like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Pre-Amplifier-Pre-amp-Control/dp/B07GXBF5JS

there are a few choices though most are hybrid tube amps

https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-TA-01-192KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00L25RF78/

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-T1-Optical-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B06WP6357W/

https://www.amazon.com/Aune-T1-Generation-Amplifier-Decoder/dp/B00A2QJMRY/

https://www.amazon.com/Pangea-Audio-Tube-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00TA7CNQ8/

If you have an optical or coax out put then you could get a really cheap DAC and feed a tube amp like the Little Dot 2

I had the same issue getting 7.1 PCM Audio to my Receiver and 4K HDR from my PS4.

You need a hardware solution to split the channels.

ViewHD UHD 18G HDMI Audio Extractor / Splitter Support HDMI v2.0 | HDCP v2.2 | 4K@60Hz | HDR | ARC | 3.5MM Analog Audio Output | Toslink Optical Audio Output | HDMI Audio Output | Model: VHD-UHAE2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0755TB82Q/

I used this but you might find something cheaper now.

But you did say 5.1 and that can be encoded to bitstream. You can't do it lossless, but see if your TV can take output over ARC and transcode as 5.1 bitstream (Dolby Digital or DTS). I believe it could be done on my Samsung KS8000, so it might be possible to get it working. It just won't work as PCM (limited to stereo).

Are you asking how to hook up multiple components to a pre-amp? If so, then you need a pre-amp with multiple inputs such at this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Parasound-Zpre2-Audio-Video-Preamplifier/dp/B001RIKIV0/ref=sr_1_14?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1483677486&sr=1-14

You'll need a pre-amp with a built in phono stage or you'll need a separate phono stage.

That said, if you are brand new to this, and on a limited budget, you may not want to jump into the deep-end with separate preamps and amps. I'd suggest a nice integrated amp/receiver and upgrade when you can.

what you need is an HDMI audio extractor. I have this one and it works fine: https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Splitter-Support-Toslink/dp/B0755TB82Q/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=ViewHD+UHD&qid=1572960701&sr=8-2

HDMI out from the shield to the ViewHD box, from there HDMI out to my TV for 4K/HDR video and HDMI out to my H/K AVR for audio (DTS/DTS HD-MA/DD/DD+/TrueHD, whatever your AVR supports).

My only issue is that once a week or so, I have to unplug the ViewHD and plug it back in for my TV to recognize it.

I have a similar setup (powered speakers with preamp), and I have to control the volume on the speakers. Luckily my speakers are connected, so there's only one dial to worry about.

You could get a preamp like this one that has volume control built-in, although I've never used this one and can't attest to its quality.

I would suggest this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKHM2HS/?coliid=I3GD0ZKNROW7XP&colid=12JK9HWNEL73Y&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

In that price range? The one I'd buy if it were me personally, would be this one: Puffin Preamp - about $400US.

Someone on avs forum got dv and atmos over is LG and K850 with this https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Splitter-Support-Toslink/dp/B0755TB82Q/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2530731011&ie=UTF8&qid=1539362137&sr=8-1&keywords=VHD-UHAE2

You can do optical or Arc but you'll only get DD or DTS.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0755TB82Q/

This device claims it can split the audio and video so you get lossless audio to the receiver and 4k to the TV.

Not sure if this is what you need, but I read some information that different "generations" of audio equipment can require a preamp. I hadn't owned a receiver/amplifier for quite a while and still haven't added a turntable.

https://www.amazon.com/Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier-Amplifirer-Control/dp/B004MIY372

What kind of switch are you using? I have solved the problem with a ViewHD 18G HDMI audio extractor, linked here: https://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Extractor-Splitter-Support-Toslink/dp/B0755TB82Q/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_5?crid=3CH1GGYMMNIWS&keywords=viewhd+18g+hdmi+extractor&qid=1555515620&s=gateway&sprefix=viewhd+18g%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-5-fkmrnull

The issue I have now is I can only use it this way if I turn off CEC control on the soundbar, otherwise it automatically switches input to D.IN, which now causes me to lose volume control with the roku remote.

Also, I was planning on using the ViewHD HDMI audio extractor with my Xbox One X since the soundbar can't output 4K HDR @ 60Hz @ 4:4:4.

I'm wondering if It is just a compatibility issue with Roku and some AVR's like the previous guy posted about.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07255VHZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_sGz0DbF4TVAVG

Should do the trick. I have o e and it just does volume control with no effect on the audio. Totally transparent.

I had the same problem. I never solved it. I useda 4k 5.1 audio extractor I found on amazon, and sent the audio to the sonos separately.


just make sure the one you get does 4k @ 60hz. I was using mine as a PC monitor at the time, so that was extremely important. I don't think the TV can actually pass thru more than 2 channels. I could be wrong.

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heres a link to the adapter I got.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755TB82Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

i have rx-v677 wich is a hdmi 1.4

and a new snony 4k tv f900x

my rx-v677 dont support HDR

i did not whant to buy a new av revciver so i orderd some thing calld (HDMI Audio Extractor/Splitter Support)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0755TB82Q/

so i can play hdr on the tv and dts-hd on av reciver with no isues