Receiver / amp for turntable

[Team Avatar]

I recently acquired a Dual 506 TT from my parents, and I would like to buy and set up a nice sound system for it.

However, I do not think I understand everything correctly.

What I think:

I need a receiver and speakers.

If the receiver is "new" or cheap, I'm also going to need a preamp.

In terms of speakers, it doesn't seem very complicated.... buy speakers and plug them in, and the receiver might include them. However, I don't know anything about receivers or power amps or anything of that sort.

Suggestions, links to further reading, links to pictures, ebay, porn, any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Jacob

[ajxd]

You are on the right path with your thoughts. Not all receivers or integrated amps have phono preamps (All receivers and integrated amps do have preamps, but not phono specific). Whatever you look into purchasing, make sure it have a phono preamp. The difference between a receiver and an integrated amp is a tuner that receives radio signal. All receivers are integrated amps, not all integrateds are receivers.

As for speakers, some set ups will include them. These "all in one" systems aren't the best. They are made at consumer level specs and are usually poor in production. You have two main types of speakers, bookshelves (smaller usually two way) and floor standing (taller, usually 3 way). Speakers are connected to your receiver/integrated amp by speaker cable. There are different wattages and Ohm ratings for speakers, but at your level, its not a necessity to learn/worry about that. Most everything at your level will be 8ohm.

[tankerdesk]

Whatever you look into purchasing, make sure it have a phono preamp.

Just wanted to clarify that a phono preamp isn't required to be physically included in the receiver/integrated amp, though it will be required to be a part of your setup (be it included in a receiver/amp, turntable, or external). If you found a new receiver/int-amp for free or cheap that did not include a phono preamp, you could purchase an external phono preamp.

[Team Avatar]

With regards to the phono preamp, my dad told me to make sure not to buy it until I find the receiver I want first, just in case it does have one included.

@ajxd Thanks so much for such a quick and helpful reply.

I am definitely planning on buying the receiver and the speakers seperately. I am going to be using the system to play music from an iPod as well, as it will be serving as the music for my living room as well. I kind of want to buy a subwoofer as well but I'm not sure if it is necessary yet.

Should I be looking for a "home theater" system, or something more specific?

IE - http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Yamaha+-+500W+5.1-Ch.+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/4566122.p?id=1218487064779&skuId=4566122

Thank you!

[slinch]

If playing movies in multichannel surround isn't a priority, then there's no reason to go after a home theater system, because it will be at a much lower quality level for the same price than a stereo system.

The first thing to decide is wether you want to go new or used. Obviously if you buy something second hand, you get much more bang for your buck.

[Team Avatar]

Totally true about both points. I've got no problem paying for something brand new, but I should definitely look around a little bit before I drop a bit of money. And where it'd be cool to have the option to use my receiver for 5.1 surround sound with my 28 inch tv.... its not really necessary.

thank you!

Does anyone have any gear of the sorts that I am looking for, that they would recommend?

[BuzzersonKillwell]

You'll hear or maybe you have heard people talk about "silver-faced" receivers. If you search for those on eBay you'll see you can find a nice used rig that pushes plenty of watts for pretty cheap. Depending on where you live thrift, vintage or some used record stores will have plenty of equipment on the cheap. Don't be afraid to buy something that looks dated. Craigslist is great for this stuff as well, you can always find some really good deals.

I can't think of a compelling reason to buy new if you are not multitasking. You should be able to get a solid first receiver for $50 - $100.

[ajxd]

Don't be fooled by all silver-faced amps... they made crap 40 years ago too. Go with brands that people recommend. Marantz, Scott, Sansui, etc.

And there are great disadvantages to vintage too. Not everyone took care of their equipment. Nothing sucks more than purchasing an old amp, only to lose a channel 2 weeks later.

[Team Avatar]

I currently have a bid out on this - http://www.ebay.com/...984.m1426.l2649

[bearchuck]

I'm obviously a big fan of vintage stuff, but I always proceed with the most caution when it comes to receivers, integrated amps and such. There are just so many components under the hood, and capacitors, transistors, resistors, etc etc tend to wear out and drift past their intended values over the years. Unless I know that a certified tech - or at least someone who knows what he's doing - has given the receiver a clean bill of health, I'm likely to walk the other way.

With turntables and speakers, I'm a little less weary because a DIY fix is much easier in my opinion. As ajxd said, it's always preferable to buy vintage from someone who has treated his / her equipment well. I've been bitten in the ass once or twice because I took a risk on something.