I have an Audio Technica LP240, it has built in pre amp. Whats best amplifier to match it with ?

[Matto1299]

I'm not worried about tuner or home theatre. Just wanting best vinyl sound. I will be getting a set of Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 speakers. Unless there is better suggestion for speaker as well ?

 

[Swerd]

With the turntable's built-in pre amp, it's signal output voltage is no different from any standard analog audio source, such as analog audio from a CD or DVD player. You can connect that turntable to any integrated amp or receiver.

There are plenty of good amps/receivers available in the 50-100 watts per channel range. As long as you have adequate power to drive your speakers you will be fine, and those speakers you mentioned are not difficult to drive. The salesman at the store where you buy them may try and sell you a much higher powered and more expensive amp, but it isn't necessary.

Speakers are a more personal decision. I can tell you what I like, but you must listen and decide what you like. What price range are you considering?

 

[KenM10759]

Depending upon what (integrated) amplifier or AV receiver (not many new non-AV left out there) you may buy, it could have a built in phono amp. With one like that, you could try output from your turntable both ways. Line (pre-amplified) output to a regular analog input, or "phono" (unamplified) signal to the phono input. If you can detect a difference you would know if the phono amp in either unit is better than the other.

 

[Matto1299]

With the turntable's built-in pre amp, it's signal output voltage is no different from any standard analog audio source, such as analog audio from a CD or DVD player. You can connect that turntable to any integrated amp or receiver.

There are plenty of good amps/receivers available in the 50-100 watts per channel range. As long as you have adequate power to drive your speakers you will be fine, and those speakers you mentioned are not difficult to drive. The salesman at the store where you buy them may try and sell you a much higher powered and more expensive amp, but it isn't necessary.

Speakers are a more personal decision. I can tell you what I like, but you must listen and decide what you like. What price range are you considering?

Depending upon what (integrated) amplifier or AV receiver (not many new non-AV left out there) you may buy, it could have a built in phono amp. With one like that, you could try output from your turntable both ways. Line (pre-amplified) output to a regular analog input, or "phono" (unamplified) signal to the phono input. If you can detect a difference you would know if the phono amp in either unit is better than the other.

I have decided now on a Yamaha R-S500. What is your recommendation for speakers ? Similar price to the B&W 685 S2. Is there a better option ?

 

[Swerd]

What's the price of those B&W speakers?

The Yamaha R-S500 seems good. Remember, if you use the phono pre amp built into your turntable, don't use the phono input jacks on the back of the Yamaha.

 

[KenM10759]

That does appear to be a good choice of receiver, as long as you never need it in a home theater application.

As Swerd mentioned, be careful connecting your turntable. Try it both ways (line out to regular input on the receiver, phono level output from turntable to phono input on receiver) and listen for any detectable difference.

 

[macddmac]

I have decided now on a Yamaha R-S500. What is your recommendation for speakers ? Similar price to the B&W 685 S2. Is there a better option ?

Ascend Sierra 1, or these: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-dynaudio-dm-2-6-demo-warranty-2016-02-23-speakers-85260-scottsdale-az
Cheers, Mac

 

[Matto1299]

I haven't priced the B&W here in Australia yet but I'm thinking around £500 / $700US

What's the price of those B&W speakers?

The Yamaha R-S500 seems good. Remember, if you use the phono pre amp built into your turntable, don't use the phono input jacks on the back of the Yamaha.

 

[KenM10759]

Depending where in Australia you are located, there may be shops where you could go listen to different speakers in varying price ranges and decide what sounds good to you as they all have slightly different attributes. I also know there are a lot of more desolate areas there, where your only hope is to buy on-line and have them shipped in. I have no knowledge of the companies doing business there and how they might work trial periods and return policies.

I wish you the best, you're off to a good start by asking good questions.

 

[Matto1299]

Thanks for the great response and fantastic info.. Very helpful...

 

[KenM10759]

Thanks for the great response and fantastic info.. Very helpful...

Did anything get solved?

 

[Matto1299]

Yes I think & hope so. Audio Technica LP1240 TT with Yamaha R-S500 Amp and Bowers & Wilkins 685-S2 speakers. Should be sufficient for my area. I hope !?

 

[KenM10759]

Details please on what you think may have fixed the problem.

As for speakers, did you state how big your space is or did I miss that? The 685S2 are nice bookshelf/stand mount speakers but proximity to each other, to walls and listening position matter.

What other speakers may be available to you and can you audition any of them in home or (at least) in a shop? The type of music you listen to also matters, because you haven't mentioned a subwoofer and some music would be missing a huge portion of the listening pleasure with one.