I don't really care if the preamp can do MC as he's years from that. All three seem to get decent reviews. I actually was considering a Little Bear T10 12AX7 tube amp ($155) but since he's grown up on digital, he may not like a tube amp sound, there is more reliability in solid state plus, there is no sense going overboard at this point in the game.
As an alternative, he is buying a new receiver so if he goes with something like an Onkyo TX-nr626 or 636, he won't need the preamp since the receiver has phono input built in. If we get the preamp, he can go with anything in his receiver price range. Honestly though, I have no idea if any receivers these days have a decent phono input stage. He could get the 626 for $299 or 636 for $499 so if the preamp really isn't needed, he can save some money (20 and in college). My opinion is a dedicated preamp, even in the $150 range would probably sound better....
I don't really care if the preamp can do MC as he's years from that. All three seem to get decent reviews. I actually was considering a Little Bear T10 12AX7 tube amp ($155) but since he's grown up on digital, he may not like a tube amp sound, there is more reliability in solid state plus, there is no sense going overboard at this point in the game.
As an alternative, he is buying a new receiver so if he goes with something like an Onkyo TX-nr626 or 636, he won't need the preamp since the receiver has phono input built in. If we get the preamp, he can go with anything in his receiver price range. Honestly though, I have no idea if any receivers these days have a decent phono input stage. He could get the 626 for $299 or 636 for $499 so if the preamp really isn't needed, he can save some money (20 and in college). My opinion is a dedicated preamp, even in the $150 range would probably sound better....
IMO the sound quality of Onkyo amps and receivers is very bright and harsh; not something I could live with or recommend.
For $550 you can get the Music Hall 15.3 integrated amplifier, which has a very good phono stage built in.
It will sound 500% better than anything from Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer etc, and as a matter of fact is possibly the best you can buy for under $1000.
Another good choice would be the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 stereo receiver, which also has a good phono stage included (essentially a 551P built into the unit); $499.
Is he intending to use this for a home theater as well? If not, then I have to agree with the above poster. $500 will get you a way better stereo receiver than a surround receiver. The Music Hall is a good suggestion, I would also look at an Outlaw RR2150 if he's willing to go to $700. It also has a really great phono stage built in that can do MM and MC (may come in handy if he ever does want to try out MC). Plus it has an AM/FM tuner and subwoofer output.
System will be multipurpose home theater style setup; receiver, TT, PS4, Xbox 360 and Roku so he will be needing a receiver with HDMI. However, he needs to spend within his means but still buy what gives him the flexibility for his needs. That means either; 1.) Receiver that has phono built in such as Onkyo or, 2.) Receiver (Pioneer, Yamaha or Denon) with a separate preamp. He can either spend $500 on a receiver like an Onkyo TX-nr636 or $500 on a less expensive receiver + preamp. Not sure what is best keeping within his price point......
I don't really care if the preamp can do MC as he's years from that. All three seem to get decent reviews. I actually was considering a Little Bear T10 12AX7 tube amp ($155) but since he's grown up on digital, he may not like a tube amp sound, there is more reliability in solid state plus, there is no sense going overboard at this point in the game.
As an alternative, he is buying a new receiver so if he goes with something like an Onkyo TX-nr626 or 636, he won't need the preamp since the receiver has phono input built in. If we get the preamp, he can go with anything in his receiver price range. Honestly though, I have no idea if any receivers these days have a decent phono input stage. He could get the 626 for $299 or 636 for $499 so if the preamp really isn't needed, he can save some money (20 and in college). My opinion is a dedicated preamp, even in the $150 range would probably sound better....
Is he intending to use this for a home theater as well? If not, then I have to agree with the above poster. $500 will get you a way better stereo receiver than a surround receiver. The Music Hall is a good suggestion, I would also look at an Outlaw RR2150 if he's willing to go to $700. It also has a really great phono stage built in that can do MM and MC (may come in handy if he ever does want to try out MC). Plus it has an AM/FM tuner and subwoofer output.
Son is a college student on a budget so he made a choice late last night that was within his means....
He ordered a Cambridge Azur 551P, a lower end Denon receiver (refurbished) and a set of Polk TSi tower speakers that he also got a good deal on. His money......
Coupled with the Pro-Ject carbon DC Esprit TT I got him, I think he'll be OK for his first starter audio setup.
Luckily for him, he's getting some nice mid-late '60's, 70's and early-mid 80's low time albums from me and my brother........
Wished he would have done some more research: that Denon won't like those Polks. My Polks killed a Denon AVR years ago (low impedance) and I've been a Yamaha man ever since.
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