2. amps-preamps
  3. 1447115686

Do I need a pre-amp?

Major noob here. Researching my first turntable purchase. One potential problem is my existing receiver, Marantz SR4001. Not sure if this home-theater receiver is immediately compatible or whether I will need an additional phono pre-amp? Here is spec book: http://newmedia.engl.iastate.edu/tutorials/DFU_SR4001_SR5001_Final_eng.pdf

Looks like there is a pre-amp OUT but I don't see any phono IN. Maybe that doesn't matter, but I'm not sure bc I don't know very much about this stuff. If I need a pre-amp, how much should I expect to spend to be on par w my entry-level B&W floor-standing speakers? I also have a B&W sub that I would like to keep thumping and will changing my setup require altering that config?

Also, this is the turntable I'm considering: https://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-conrad-johnson-sonographe-sg-3-with-alphason-opal-sumiko-andante-turntable-tonear-2015-10-12-analog-02461-newton-highlands-ma Is this a good starter table and on par w my setup?

Thanks in advance for helping me learn and sorry for the scattered questions. I've heard great things about this forum.
lionsdwarf

Showing 2 responses by rcprince

rcprince
3,059 posts
 
From what I see you will need at least an external phono stage for this receiver, which you could run into one of the analog inputs. You cannot just run the turntable into the unit, it needs to have the RIAA equalization of a phono stage. No need to go overboard on your phono stage, there are a lot of inexpensive units out there that members can recommend (I got my son a Creek unit to use with his A/V receiver) that will do the job for you.

The Sonograph is an older table (in its day it was a good starter table) but I think, as long as it's in good working condition, it will work just fine for your purposes at this point.
rcprince
3,059 posts
 
I'm in agreement with Lowrider and Mesch on sticking with the receiver you have and getting a good phono stage. One other possible phono stage might be the Schiit Audio Mani ($129), which is available direct from the manufacturer but I believe has a 15-day return policy if you don't like it (less a 15% restocking fee), and one other possible TT would be the Rega RP1.
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