Reddit mentions of Pro-Ject Audio - Phono Box DC - MM/MC Phono preamp with line output - Silver

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.

At $700 for a budget, here is what I suggest you do...

1. Remove the built in phono preamp from the LP120
   
   
2. Go with one of these phono preamps:
   
   

• Parasound ZPhono
  
  
• Pro-Ject Phono Box S
  
  
• Schiit Mani
  
  

3. Pick up the Audioengine A5+ powered speakers.
   
   
4. Use whatever remaining budget you have to either buy some cheap speaker stands (it is not advisable to put them on the same surface as the TT unless you have some isolation pads), and potentially upgrade the cartridge on the LP120

If you want to manage 3-4 inputs, you will be better off getting an AVR. Accessories4less has really good prices and options.

An AVR will let you switch between multiple sources - whether they are HDMI video sources (gaming for example, or Roku) or digital audio sources, or analog audio sources. Besides this, an AVR will also amplify the signal, and also has an inbuilt DAC, so you can hook up passive speakers that are a lot less expensive than powered speakers. For example, you could hook it up to Pioneer BS22 bookshelf speakers for $130, or buy the FS52 floorstanders for $250 a pair (in which case you will not need a separate subwoofer)

Most entry level AVRs will not have a phono preamp. Assuming your TT does not have an inbuilt phono, you will likely need to buy a separate one. You can buy a Rolls VP29 for $50 from Amazon, or if you want to spend more, you could buy Schiit Mani or the Pro-Ject Phono Box - both sell for $130.

AVR plus speakers plus phono - you could still pull this off for under $500 and get decent sound quality. You can also look at used AVRs - they can often be had for half price or less (especially if they are slightly older - as AVRs are all about latest and greatest features - so now, AVRs that do not support 4k will sell for steep discounts). Look at usaudiomart for example.

Yeah, I hear you. If you're more comfortable with the price, the Pro-Ject is a very nice unit. I like mine a lot. Specifically I mean this one which has annoyingly dropped $20 in price since I bought it two weeks ago.

Are you sure it has an MC cart and not an MM? Technics SL-1210MK2: Magnet Or Coil? : vinyl - Reddit

Either way, the Project Phono Box (MM/MC) should be good.

Yes, it is going to sound low and bad without a phono stage/preamp.

I would recommend while starting out to get cheap and reliable pre-amps and amps, one reliable pre-amp is the Pro-ject Phono MM/MC pre-amp which is only $115. A good receiver/amp to get is the Cambridge audio Topaz AM5, It's on the cheaper size yet a really good entry level amp

VPI Cliffwood https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/VPI-Cliffwood-Turntable-OPEN-BOX

~$200 cartridge of choice

Pro-Ject Audio - Phono Box DC https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Audio-preamp-output-Silver/dp/B007DB5IDS/

Yamaha R-S202BL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMQI2CU/

Elac speaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N220I6M/

Should be around $2k

Hi all!

My current set up is a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with a Ortofon 2M Red. Preamp is Pro-Ject brand (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007DB5IDS/ref=psdc_689995011_t3_B000YEK1AQ) and my speakers are Edifier 1280T (https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1280T-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016P9HJIA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1QB3B62HWY4MY&keywords=edifier+speakers&qid=1549981297&s=electronics&sprefix=edifier%2Celectronics%2C134&sr=1-3).

I have been pretty happy with this....BUT, what would be the best way to upgrade my sound? Hypothetically, let's say I have between $500-600USD to spend on some way to upgrade.

Thanks for your suggestions!