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Do I need anything additional to my setup for my pro-ject debut 3 turntable?

Complete amateur that inherited the below setup from my uncle:

2 floorstanding speakers -> McIntosh MC402

McIntosh MC 402 into Bel Canto DAC 3


I want to add my pro-ject debut 3 to this setup. Currently it is plugged into an integrated Marantz PM6004 that I would like to keep for a second setup.

 

Looking at my options, the McIntosh has a phono input but plugging in the turntable to it doesnt do anything. The Bel Canto DAC 3 doesn't really have an input option (optical and USB are being used for the TV, SPDIF and AES/EBU are digital so wouldn't work for the turntable?)

 

Any guidance would be great thank you

ph900921
jeffbij
272 posts
 

The Marantz doesn't have preamp outs, so no joy there.  And trying to use the tape outs is just asking for making things messy.  

When you say flexable, what does that mean.  $100, $1000, $5000???

Also, what speakers are you using?  And what interconnects and speaker cabling? All will have an impact on what would be approperiate for your system.  The McIntosh MC402 is a very nice amp which seems to routinely sells for $4500 to $5500 used.

- Jeff

ph900921 OP
2 posts
 

It’s connected to b&w 801 d4 signatures. I dont have a budget limit for the preamp but it’s a cheap turntable so I don’t really need anything that fancy despite the rest of the setup, mainly just to listen to the turntable on it. focusing on simple and small that will allow me to connect

grislybutter
3,627 posts
 

the simplest option is a preamp with a phono stage.

Try usaudiomart. Adcom, Parasound, Vincent, under $500, lots of choices. 

jeffbij
272 posts
 

A very, very nice set of speakers ($50K new) , and are worthy of a higher level of electronics.

I'm sure you will get a great deal of suggestions for different makes/models and price ranges from other members.  Just take your time and make your own decision.

If you really want to keep things simple, I would look for a preamp that has both a built in phono preamp and maybe a built in DAC.  That way you can get rid of the Bel Canto all together.

If you wanted to stay with McIntosh, you have a lot of choices.  For example, there is a McIntosh C49 on Audiogon right now for <$3900 which would match up nicely.  Or a Rogue Audio RP-5 for $2675, or an Audio Research SP17 for $1700, or a Parasound P6 at $1100, or even a Emotiva PT2 at $475....  You get my drift here.  You have choices.  Match things up with decent cables, and you can have a system that you don't have to worry about for years and years.

Take some time and do your research.  And in the end, if you are happy with what you have, that is all that matters.... and then, just enjoy the music.

- Jeff

mesch
3,530 posts
 

I would purchase a quality line level preamp (no onboard phonostage or DAC) and a inexpensive outboard phonostage that compliments your TT price wise. Check out Schiit audio for this, they have one for ~$150. Use the BelCanto DAC in fixed volume mode. 

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