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OK, so it's been awhile since I've tampered with my setup and I'm ready to lay down some money on improvements. Right now I'm running a Music Hall 5.1 turntable with a (pretty standard and probably shitty comparatively) Onkyo TX-8255 receiver and some PSB Alpha B1 bookshelf speakers. I just purchased Sennheiser 6XX headphones from Massdrop, set to ship in December, and it got me thinking of my setup and what I can do to really get the most out of them. I'm guessing I should start with replacing the Onkyo receiver and was thinking of getting a Yamaha integrated amp in the $500-$600 range. I was also thinking of putting the money towards a dedicated headphone amp instead (or eventually in tandem) but don't know if I'll get the most out of the headphones if it's still running through the Onkyo. Suggestions? I'm open to any and all suggestions especially since I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to the finer points of setup. I'm willing to modestly invest and would like something that would last and obviously sound great. Thanks for any help and input.

Hello all, Recently, I modified my turntable set up. I did the ever so encouraged removal of the internal preamp from AudioTechnica AT-LP120. I recently put it all back together, grounded my new Gram Amp 2 Communicator and hooked it all up. The only problem is that I now have a consistent humming throughout my speakers. Considering the hum was there even without my turntable turned on, I figured it had to be originating from the preamplifier. To remove the stock preamplifier, I followed this video's walkthrough. The actual work starts around 13:50. So, I was wondering if the hum would be originating potentially from where I soldered new wires back on, or else if I didn't have the preamplifier properly grounded. All help is greatly appreciated, thank you very much!

Heyo, I'm reaching out with some questions for those of you more well versed in the world of tubes and preamps. I've been working with the same setup for a few years now and I am looking to step it up a bit (without upgrading my table). Currently I have: Pro-Ject Debut III Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge Marantz SR-63 Receiver Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers Polk Audio PSW 111 Subwoofer I've been thinking about adding a Preamp stage for tonal control (specifically tube preamp) as the receiver I have has a decent preamp built in, but I want more. Any thoughts? I've been toying with the Parks Audio Budgie preamp, anyone have any experience with this? *EDIT* I recently upgraded to an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge so any suggestion on specific preamps (tube or not) welcome!

I picked up a Pioneer PL 12D II the other day at a thrift store for $15 it needs some work but i think its worth it, it has a Empire 2000 E/III cartridge in it... I dont have a pre amp yet, because the previous record players i had are already equipped with a preamp inside it, so whats a good and stable but cheap preamp? Im 16 so i dont have aton of money to buy something crazy, i saw a pyle one for $13 on amazon but i heard that model isnt very stable and breaks within a month, aswell as a poor warrenty policy. what do you guys think? anyone here upgrading their preamps soon? or have one from a previous upgrade their willing to cut me a deal on? And if anyone has a belt for the player, stylus, or a tracking gauge i would be interested in those. One more thing, i know you need a preamp to make it loud But can i plug it straight into my reciever just to test it? before i go ahead and spend however much on a preamp?

Hi, ive been wanting to buy a vinyl player and someone is offering me a technics quartz sl-qd33 along with a Panasonic sa-ht390 reciever for $50. Would i need a preamp? or can i just hook up the record player and the reciever together and start listening with some headphones?

For sale is a used, but in very good working and cosmetic condition Music Hall PA 1.2 MM/MC Phono Preamp, and a Pro-Ject Speed Box S. I can let these go well below new price, so hit me up with offers. Preamp on Amazon Speed box on amazon

Hey guys and gals, I've recently upgraded some of my equipment and looking to sell some stuff. I take great care of all of my stuff, no smoking household, though I do have a dog. I had the preamp for about 6 months and the amp for about a year. Fairly regular use and everything still looks and sounds great. Cambridge Azur 651p (Silver) MM/MC Preamp - I do not have the original box for this. $175 PPD, including paypal fees as merchandise. (SOLD Yamaha A-S500 (Black) Integrated Amplifier 85w x 2. Have the original box and remote, will include the optional iPod dock (adapter type is 30pin, not lightning). $275 PPD, including paypal fees as merchandise. or $250 if anyone is in the Phoenix, AZ area and wants to pickup. Will of course lower for cash pickup over paypal too. Message me if you're interested. Will cut a deal if by chance you're buying both. Here's some pictures. Sorry for the crap phone lighting. Http://imgur.com/3sSjrKK http://imgur.com/2zHtlv9 http://imgur.com/B87GDiG http://imgur.com/bocMYOG

Uturn is releasing their own phono preamp called the PLUTO. est $99. Out in the next 6 weeks. Comes in white or black. Full specs coming soon. Should be an interesting budget phono preamp. Thoughts?

Hello everyone, I have my own setup in my record studio but recently I bought an old school Technics SL-BD35 for my GF. Next step is the speakers. Now, you know girls...one of her first requests is that it should also "look good". I know I know, girls.. My budget is 400 bucks and my idea was the following one: Technics SL-BD35 + Bellari VP29 Solid State Phono Preamp + Marshall Hanwell 50th Anniversary or Marshall Stanmore. Since I have a little discount on a certain internet site it would cost me exactly 405 $. Do you think that this is a good idea? I thought that the result would be a solid sound quality out of this system plus the damn look she's aiming for but plz let me know what do ya'll think. Thank you for your help. Fab PS: I can already tell you that she doesn't like Audioengine, Nocs n Pioneer S-DJ50X.

Hi just getting back into vinyl.. i went all out and picked up a Pro Ject Xtension 9 player with a Sumiko Blue Point Special Cartridge LOW OUTPUT.. MC i have the PRO JECT Tube Box S Pre Amp.. <(think i should get a better one)? that is one of the questions the other is getting the proper settings with the dip switches... does any of you experts have a clue???

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I recently upgraded to a new receiver that has a built in preamp, so I have a very lightly used ART DJPRE II Preamp for sale. I bought it in March 2014 when I upgraded to a new turntable. I play one record a day on average, so this thing hasn't seen too much use. Looks as good as new. I'll include an RCA cable with it if you want. I'm thinking $35 PPD, but PM any reasonable offer. Product details: http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1407605228&sr=8-15&keywords=preamp

Hey all, I purchased a DB Systems DB-8 phono preamp in July. At the time, I was using a modern receiver without a phono input. Since then, I have moved towards vintage gear and no longer need this unit. Here is a link to the specs of the preamp. The preamp has a five year warranty and is seven months old. I can forward my proof of purchase to the buyer, just in case they ever need service. It is in perfect condition. It's the stock configuration with no upgrades but can be sent into DB for modification if you are so inclined. $135 shipped in the Continental US via USPS Priority Mail Please feel free to PM me and thanks!

Hello! I had a few questions about what could be happening with my setup. I have a Technics SL 1200 M3D running into a Cambridge Audio - Azur 651P - MM/MC Phono Preamplifier that goes into an Onkyo TX-NR616 7.2 Channel THX Select2 Plus Certified Network A/V Receiver. My speakers are some Sony speakers that my cousin let me have. With my receiver I can attach a bluetooth dongle that lets me stream audio to it from my phone over bluetooth. While using this I noticed that the volume of that audio would be much louder than when I would play the same songs from my records. So I'm wondering what could be the problem that I have? A friend of mine told me my pre amp should have some controls but there are none that I know of the one I have. I currently have to crank my receivers volume to the high 50's - 60's in order to enjoy it at the same level as streaming from my phone through bluetooth where I have the volume in the 30's/40's Pre Amplifier - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079OA0UU/ref=oh_details_o07_s01_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Receiver - http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-NR616-Channel-Certified-Receiver/dp/B0077V88W2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1390069803&sr=1-1&keywords=Onkyo+TX-NR616+7.2+Channel+THX+Select2+Plus+Certified+Network+A%2FV+Receiver

I'm hoping over the next year to acquire the components to a decent audiophile system. I think for a turntable I've chosen a Pro-ject Debut Carbon. What would I need (or want) in the way of preamps, stereos, speakers to complete a nice little living room sound system. This doesn't need to be something that can play my T.V. audio or CDs or anything. I just want a system dedicated to quality vinyl sound.

Just pulled the trigger on one of these off amazon this morning. Signed up for prime and am expecting this tomorrow (one day shipping for 3 dollhairs!). It was between this and the Azur 651P and the Rega Fono Mini. Since I have nowhere to audition these I figured if i dont like the pro-ject Ill just return it and try one of the others I had shortlisted. My question is, anyone of you guys using one of these? And if so, what do you like/dislike about it? Did it make noticable imporvement in your set-up?

Beginner’s Guide to Hi–Fi Created to hopefully aid anyone venturing into this stressful, beautiful hobby. I will update this with more information whenever I have time to waste. Anyone is welcome to chime in. Basic Hi-Fi Chain: SOURCE -> AMPLIFICATION -> SPEAKERS (click to jump to section) The source component reads the recorded information and translates it into the signal that will be later perceived as sound. Amplification takes that signal and amplifies it (no, really?) in order to make it strong enough to move the drivers of the speaker. A speaker is a collective of drivers that are moved by the signal, producing air pressure in front of them which to us, mortal beings, means hearing sound. When putting together a hi-fi setup, always keep in mind: The end result will only be as good as the weakest link. Buying an expensive turntable and a good phono preamp is useless if you're using cheap computer speakers. By no means should you decide to just get a shitty turntable then. Instead, think carefully how to ration your budget across all important components. Jump to setting up & use: SOURCE, AMPLIFICATION, SPEAKERS LIST OF RECCOMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR DIFFERENT BUDGETS

For anyone who is looking for a really nice-sounding preamp at an affordable price, you might consider the 2nd generation of the Hagerman Bugle. There's a Kickstarter campaign that just launched. $100 gets you the kit version of the preamp, which comes with everything you need. All you'll have to do put the components where they need to go and solder them in place. I've built three different preamps so far and it's really very easy ... and a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. You can also pledge $150, which will get you the preamp fully assembled, tested and ready to rock. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1907446723/bugle2-a-diy-phono-preamp?play=1&ref=search I built the first generation Bugle and in my opinion, it's really hard to get something as nice sounding at that price point. For anyone using a built-in preamp or the phono stage in you receiver, the Bugle would be a pretty significant step forward sonically. And for my money, I think it sounds better than its competitors at the $150 - $200 range. Oh, the majority of the kickstarter money is going to be for customized clear plastic cases for the preamp. Kind of cool ... so you can see your handiwork.

Hey Guys/Gals, I am finally going to buy a pre-amp so I can hook up to my much nicer audio system. Just looking for opinions on which is the best with a max price tag of $200. Not needing to rip anything, just looking for the best sound quality I can get with $200. Any input is welcome, as always! Thanks!

I'm looking to get a phono preamp, but I can't decide between the Cambridge Audio Azur 551P and the Cambridge Audio Azur 540P. The 540P is cheaper than the 551P, but other than that, can anyone tell me the difference between them? Also, does anyone else have any suggestions as to an alternative phono preamp that is between $50-$150? Thanks guys!

So here's the bottom line, I'm moving and I decided I wanted to completely get a whole new setup. My price for everything all together is probably going to be roughly $400 - $500. I'm not looking for completely high end stuff, but I am looking for decent stuff that's good. Nothing dirt cheap (though I hear good things about preamps). I'm just looking for some guidance for everything. I need a turntable, preamp, and speakers. Hit me with what you recommend. Thank you in advance!