Need Amp & Stereo setup to go with...

[Trev]

A buddy at work just offered me a deal on some of his gear...

Debut III
NAD PP2
Grado Red Cartridge

All 3 for $350. Figuring it's a fair deal...

But this will mean that I'll need a set of good stereo speakers, preferably bookshelf, and a decent power amp.

First off... would like a second opinion on whether it's a good deal or if I should keep shopping. Second, would like to not break the bank on stereo setup and power amp.

Budget after the $350... $500.

I appreciate sincerely any buying advice you guys might have to offer. I've never dabbled in purchasing separates. Always had a full setup when I was living with family.

 

[markw]

I'll asume the Debut 3 is a turntable, right?

As such,along with a pair of speakers, you need an integrated amp, not a power amp. Big difference.

In either case, If you expect a "decent" amp and speakers for the price you stated, you better start looking used.

But, if everything is in good working order and you want to get into records, it's a fair deal. Do you have any records? If not, seriously consider your reasons for wanting to make this move.

 

[j_garcia]

Stereo receiver or integrated amp used should be easy to find in that range, but speakers too will be pushing it, depending on how much speaker you are realistically looking for. On the cheap, it will either be the Infinity Primus or AJ Pioneers that would fit that budget.

This would probably be a good thread to check for speaker ideas http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/81831-wanted-small-speaker-recommendation.html

And this
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/81868-pioneer-andrew-jones-sp-pk52fs-review.html

 

[ski2xblack]

HK3490 would be all the amp/receiver you would need, going for <$300 online. It has a phono section built in, so you wouldn't need the NAD phono pre at all.

 

[ImcLoud]

I would buy this amp...
Dayton Audio APA150 150W Power Amplifier 300-812

or a mini X is $220 I own both, very nice amps...


with a pair of jamo 601's.. Or if you can stretch your budget polk lsi7's would sound awesome... They are available for around $400 {$700 when I bought mine} http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Bookshelf-Speakers-Ebony/dp/B0009WY690

Audioengine P4's also sound good with this amp, they are 4 ohm... But dont sound as low as the polks..

I know the apa150 and lsi7's would be $560 but I have this setup in my wifes yoga studio and they sound amazing... being 4 ohm with the apa150 {really puts out closer to 100X2} is soo loud... clear, well defined, sound that doesnt come off bright or harsh at all.. I paid more than that just for the bookshelfs when I bought them, I paid $700 and they were $300 off then, very well made speaker...

 

[slipperybidness]

There's a few options for cheap receivers or integrateds. You'll want to be sure it can handle whatever speakers you choose.
Pioneer VSX-522-K 5.1 Home Theater Receiver 250-629
Newegg.com - YAMAHA RX-V373BL 5.1-Channel AV Receiver
DENON AVR-1312 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less
Marantz PM5003 Integrated Amplifier | Accessories4less

I don't have experience with any of these, so do your homework. But that at least gives you a few websites to check out.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

As others mentioned you need a integrated amp or a receiver (at least stereo)
If look hard I'm sure some older model of yamaha or denon on CL for dirt cheap, but if you would like to have a warranty this:
Onkyo HT-RC330 5.1-CHANNEL HOME THEATER RECEIVER | Accessories4less

60 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.7%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC; 90 Watts per Channel at 6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 0.9%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC


Here are some of NRC plots of speakers we usually recommend:
SoundStage! Measurements - Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 Loudspeakers (3/2003)
SoundStage! Measurements - Energy Reference Connoisseur RC-10 Loudspeakers (2/2006)
SoundStage! Measurements - Infinity Primus P162 Loudspeakers (11/2008)
NRC Measurements: Aperion Verus Grand Bookshelf Loudspeakers

RC10 would have a bit better low-end, but CM170 is more precise in overall

 

[Trev]

Maybe I have this wrong then...

Integrated, has a phono sound stage?

The NAD PP2 is is the Phono Pre-amp:

PP-2 Phono Preamplifier - NAD Electronics

The Debut III:

Pro-Ject Audio Systems

I was under the impression all I needed from there was to route a power amp after it through to the speakers, just like a guitar has tube preamp and then power amp?

And yep, have a bunch of vinyls I've been collecting from shows, that I've refused to open until having a safe setup, and batches of others that I've had for years run through a very old setup that family has since gotten rid of when I moved out.

 

[Trev]

There's a few options for cheap receivers or integrateds. You'll want to be sure it can handle whatever speakers you choose.
Pioneer VSX-522-K 5.1 Home Theater Receiver 250-629
Newegg.com - YAMAHA RX-V373BL 5.1-Channel AV Receiver
DENON AVR-1312 5.1 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less
Marantz PM5003 Integrated Amplifier | Accessories4less

I don't have experience with any of these, so do your homework. But that at least gives you a few websites to check out.

Really loving the first look at the Marantz PM5003. I have my old Pioneer table still, the Debut III would've just been an upgrade. Beginning to feel I may be better off sticking with my current table, putting all of the budget in a really good integrated, and set of Bookshelf speakers.

Thinking of wall-mounting two bookshelf speakers above my two floor-standing, which are low enough to still have a good ear level. Maybe can get lucky and find used Genelecs

 

[slipperybidness]

Really loving the first look at the Marantz PM5003. I have my old Pioneer table still, the Debut III would've just been an upgrade. Beginning to feel I may be better off sticking with my current table, putting all of the budget in a really good integrated, and set of Bookshelf speakers.

Thinking of wall-mounting two bookshelf speakers above my two floor-standing, which are low enough to still have a good ear level. Maybe can get lucky and find used Genelecs

Well, the source is a very important factor. Probably more important than the amp or electronics. Debatable, it could be as important as good speakers. I'm not a TT expert but I know the Pro-jects come highly recommended. If you're lucky (or if you send a PM) TLS guy will probably tell you the history of your current TT and let you know if it is any good or pure trash.

As far as the phono-pre question...So a phono stage is basically a fixed equalizer (search RIAA equalization). In simplified terms, the RIAA laid out how the info is recorded into the grooves, so you have to have the phono stage to re-equalize the sound to where it should be. Some integrated amps have the phono stage built in, some need an outboard like the nad. If you have an outboard, then its output can go to any input on the amp other than a phono intput (aux, cd, etc). If you don't have outboard, then your amp must have the phono input (and RIAA circuit). After the RIAA circuitry, straight to a normal pre-amp stage, then to the amp.

 

[markw]

The NAD PP2 is a phono preamp. OP assumed that we would all know what everything is from just the model numbers.

 

[Grador]

Some amplifier terminology for you:

Phono preamp/phonostage: Brings phono power up to line level and applies RIAA equalization curves. The power coming off of a phonograph cartridge is approximately 1/10th the power of normal line level sources.

Pre-amplifier: takes line level sources and sets the signal at the proper level for the power amplifier (volume control)

Power amplifier: takes signal from preamp and amplifies it to speaker level, powering the speakers. (has no volume control)

Integrated amplifer: Contains preamp and power amp in one box

Receiver: integrated amp with a radio tuner


That phono preamp is not a preamp, you would still need an integrated amplifier after it.

 

[PENG]

I also think the HK3490 is a good choice for what the OP needs with the buget he has in mind. An integrated amp will likely costs more and without a tuner. The Debut III is a very decent turntable that comes with cartridge but unless the stylus is in good condition, a replacement one will set you back $40 to $45. A replacement cartridge would cost $55 to $60, assuming the stock one is the OM 5E (not always the case).

Edit: With the HK the NAD phono stage may become redundant.

 

[Trev]

Some amplifier terminology for you:

Phono preamp/phonostage: Brings phono power up to line level and applies RIAA equalization curves. The power coming off of a phonograph cartridge is approximately 1/10th the power of normal line level sources.

Pre-amplifier: takes line level sources and sets the signal at the proper level for the power amplifier (volume control)

Power amplifier: takes signal from preamp and amplifies it to speaker level, powering the speakers. (has no volume control)

Integrated amplifer: Contains preamp and power amp in one box

Receiver: integrated amp with a radio tuner


That phono preamp is not a preamp, you would still need an integrated amplifier after it.

Phono explanation was critical to my understanding. I been all digital for the longest time. Ty sir.

 

[Trev]

I also think the HK3490 is a good choice for what the OP needs with the buget he has in mind. An integrated amp will likely costs more and without a tuner. The Debut III is a very decent turntable that comes with cartridge but unless the stylus is in good condition, a replacement one will set you back $40 to $45. A replacement cartridge would cost $55 to $60, assuming the stock one is the OM 5E (not always the case).

Edit: With the HK the NAD phono stage may become redundant.

Cartridge is in excellent condition. Current TT is Pioneer 112D. Have two others that are junk. I haven't heard this one yet. I have some hope for it.