Amplifier Recommendations? Bought a Turntable, Need an Amp

dg1991 on 17/02/2022 - 16:04
Last edited 17/02/2022 - 16:24

Hi all,

I bought a turntable yesterday (thanks to the Bing Lee deal, but not the model posted - manual one instead). I know it comes with a pre amp, but I've received conflicting advice on the need for an amplifier. I am working on the assumptions I need one.

Ideally looking for one under $150, but worst case under $250. I understand really good ones would cost more than this, but does anyone have a reasonable one to suggest in the price bracket I've noted?

Edit: In terms of speakers, at the moment the plan was to connect to my Hisense soundbar (Cheap <$200), with the view of investing in some speakers later.
My goal is to be able to listen to the records comfortably in a typical living room (Without headphones), but I wouldn't be blasting it such that the neighbours can hear.

Thank you so much

Electrical & Electronics Amplifier

Comments

  • AndyC1 on 17/02/2022 - 16:16
    +1

    What other stereo equipment do you have and what are the inputs on them and the types on the input.?

    If it has a pre-amp then you can plug it into RCA inputs, but usually not the 3.5mm stereo type connectors.

    • dg1991 on 17/02/2022 - 16:25
      +1

      Hi AndyC1, at the moment Hisense Soundbar is what I was planning to connect to.

      • mudvin on 17/02/2022 - 16:36
        +3

        If the Turntable comes with a built in phono preamp, then you can connect it directly to a soundbar (which is a powered speaker), if it has RCA input.

        Post the exact model that you purchased and people can confirm for you.

  • TooManyEbooks on 17/02/2022 - 16:20
    +2

    I don't have any advice on which amplifier to buy, but just to clear up any confusion as to whether you need one or not: if you get / already have a powered set of speakers you won't need an amplifier. However, if you're using a passive set of speakers you will need an amplifier. Essentially the volume level coming out of the pre amp will be like the volume level coming from your phone's headphone jack - so if you can plug your phone into your speakers you should be fine without an amplifier.

    Examples:
    * Powered speakers: https://www.amazon.com.au/Edifier-R1280DB-Bookshelf-Bluetoot…
    * Passive speakers: https://www.amazon.com.au/Edifier-Passive-Bookshelf-Speakers…

    • dg1991 on 17/02/2022 - 16:25
      +1

      Thanks so much for the reply. At the moment Hisense Soundbar is what I was planning to connect to.

    • blorx on 17/02/2022 - 17:53

      This is good advice. RE: Amps. There's a few styles - mixing, home theatre 5.1 2.0 (mono) etc. Usually you'd have 2 turntables and use the amp to mix the tracks. If you're just playing records you should be fine with advice above.

  • caitsith01 on 17/02/2022 - 16:53
    +4

    Go vintage! Lots of great 1970s amps on Gumtree which will have a built in phono stage and sound good. Look for 1970s NAD, Sony, Sansui, Kenwood and the like. If in good working order most of these will destroy an equivalently priced modern amp and will also look way cooler too.

    Check out the audiokarma forums for advice about particular models.

  • macrocephalic on 17/02/2022 - 18:30
    +1

    As others have said, you shouldn't need a new amp, it should just be able to go into the soundbar (assuming it has the right inputs).

    If you decide to get a new amp, have a look on marketplace/scumtree for hifi equipment. Lots of people are moving from good 5.1 systems to simple soundbars due to simplicity and space. You can pick up a decent ten year old Yamaha/Sony/etc receiver and speakers for about $200.

  • gavincato on 17/02/2022 - 19:23
    +1

    just a word of warning, it's great to give vinyl a try - but just don't go expecting great sound quality with the sort of level hardware you are talking about.

    The amp is incredibly important.

    With that said, google "project 1 turntable amplifier" - they are the entry level into turntable amps.

    • AndyC1 on 17/02/2022 - 20:21

      THD are a a bitch.

  • tonyjzx on 17/02/2022 - 22:00

    you can go 2nd hand

    buy an integrated amp with a phono preamp built in

    or get a china thing like an fosi or aiyima and a phono preamp

  • the Unforgiven on 18/02/2022 - 13:07

    check out - selby.com.au - I get all my stuff from them; you can even ring them up for their friendly advice

  • dg1991 on 18/02/2022 - 22:08

    Thank you so much everyone for the advice!

  • Fosi Audio on 26/03/2022 - 16:47

    do you know what's the impedance and output power of your speakers?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join