Hello AudioKarma,

I have never owned a turntable and I am looking at purchasing my first one. I am completely new to the turntable world, so forgive me if I sound a bit naive.

I have $600 to spend but I would really like to not have to spend all of that. I have a Panasonic SA-XR55 with 5.1 Klipsch speakers.

Here is what I was thinking about so far:

Rega P1
Parasound Zphone Pre-Amp

I was thinking about ordering from Audio Adviser (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=0PAZPHONO). The pre-amp is open box but shaves $100 off my price. Has anyone ordered from these guys? They also sell the P1 so it would be nice to combine shipping.

What do you guys think?

I appreciate the help!

Bump?

Audio Advisor is a great outfit to deal with, and it sounds like you've selected a couple of decent performers. I hear very good things about the Rega P1

Just to throw one more option at you, The ProJect turntables are also quite good. For use with your surround rig, they even make one with an integrated phono preamp, which as a bonus includes a USB output for transferring your records to your computer (without having to put them through the torturous Ion USB turntable!)

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/80649

I'm personally a fan of this oslution as it's very clean, and still quite decent sounding (Music Direct is also a VERY classy organization in my experience)

One last option to consider in the budget category is an automatic turntable...not a bad idea if you're not the type who's there right away to pick up the tonearm at the end of a side, or doesn't want to manually move the belt to play 45s...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/80563

The Denon is inexpensive, has a built in phono preamp, looks great IMHO, and according to some guys on AK, not a bad little player (I haven't heard one myself)

Either one of these options will get you in the game for less than your target, and if you order from Music Direct you can pick up some vinyl at the same time!

(I have no vested interest in any of the products or companies listed btw)

if your panasonic has phono inputs you don't need a TT phono preamp.

if your panasonic has phono inputs you don't need a TT phono preamp.

I bought an ION USB TT (which I am returning) and I played it through my phono inputs... I had to turn up the volume very loud and the quality was severely underwhelming.

Thoughts?

Doesn't look like it's got a phono section built in from the pics and info I can find online...

Welcome to AK:wave:

Are you located within driving distance to western Massachusetts?

Welcome to AK:wave:

Are you located within driving distance to western Massachusetts?

Haha, no. Western North Carolina I'm afraid.

I'm a little confused now. Do I need a pre-amp or not?

If your receiver has a jack on the back label "Phono" with a ground lug next to it, then you don't need a preamp. If it doesn't, you do.

I couldn't find a back panel shot of your receiver or I would have cleared this one up for ya, sorry.

If you DO need a phono preamp, both the ProJect and the Denon have one built into the turntable, so it will clean up your installation a lot...no need to find another spot for an outboard phono preamp and its power supply.

For a receiver-based system, this makes a lot of sense, and I seriously doubt you'll notice a lack of fidelity.

ION... :nono:

I have a Rega P3 and Parasound Zphono. If I were you, I'd get a used P3 and a used Cambridge 640P phono stage.

If your receiver has a jack on the back label "Phono" with a ground lug next to it, then you don't need a preamp. If it doesn't, you do.

I couldn't find a back panel shot of your receiver or I would have cleared this one up for ya, sorry.

If you DO need a phono preamp, both the ProJect and the Denon have one built into the turntable, so it will clean up your installation a lot...no need to find another spot for an outboard phono preamp and its power supply.

For a receiver-based system, this makes a lot of sense, and I seriously doubt you'll notice a lack of fidelity.

Will Japanese do?

http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20050406/pana4_06.jpg

(If you need help deciphering that, let me know)

Also, I know Ion is a big :thumbsdn:. That's why I'm returning it :thmbsp:

I have one of these and really like it.
http://aes.harmony-central.com/117AES/Content/Radial/PR/J33.html
It offers XLR outputs so I can listen to an LP through my pre amp and record to my PC at the same time. It is way under your budget too.

How about a ProJect debut III USB?

It's a Debut III with an Ortofon OM5, and an MM version of their phono preamp, and a USB output.

Michael Fremer really liked the one that he reviewed.

And then you have $100 left for a cartridge upgrade or more vinyl!

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut_usb.htm

How about a ProJect debut III USB?

It's a Debut III with an Ortofon OM5, and an MM version of their phono preamp, and a USB output.

Michael Fremer really liked the one that he reviewed.

And then you have $100 left for a cartridge upgrade or more vinyl!

http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/products/debut_usb.htm

I've been thinking about the Pro-Ject. But there's something I like about a pre-amp for some reason... Seems more natural. Also, in my opinion, the fisherman's weight is a bit finicky.

Which is a better table? Rega P1 or the Pro-ject Debut III?

Can anyone confirm that I need a Pre Amp for the Panasonic SAXR55?

Thanks again guys!