PearlJamGuy
New Member
I'm putting together a modest, budget TT setup in my new office. It's not a big office, and it will never be played at a level you can hear more than 15 feet away, so high-power is not necessary.
2/3 of the time I'll listen through headphones, 1/3 of the time through speakers "at a reasonable level."
The two sources will be turntable (either Pro-Ject or Music Hall most likely) and my MacBook for digital (so having a DAC, though I don't really know what that is seems like a nice option )
So I am looking for an amp (or pre-amp / amp combo). I've gotten a lot of great suggestions from this site on an initial post for the whole system, but now want to narrow it down a little. Also, my budget is pretty firm at $400 or less.
Options I've seen and liked:
Cambridge Audio Azur 351a with a DAC ($299 refurbished)
Marantz PM5004 ($359)
Re-built vintage NAD 3120 ($400 - rebuilt by an AK member!)
OR - go with a nice pre-amp / T-amp combo (which would probably come out to about $250-$300) - of which I assume there are all kinds of combinations.
Given all the parameters I've thrown out there, please let me know suggestions you have, especially if I am missing something that I should obviously be considering! I really appreciate it!!
2/3 of the time I'll listen through headphones, 1/3 of the time through speakers "at a reasonable level."
The two sources will be turntable (either Pro-Ject or Music Hall most likely) and my MacBook for digital (so having a DAC, though I don't really know what that is seems like a nice option )
So I am looking for an amp (or pre-amp / amp combo). I've gotten a lot of great suggestions from this site on an initial post for the whole system, but now want to narrow it down a little. Also, my budget is pretty firm at $400 or less.
Options I've seen and liked:
Cambridge Audio Azur 351a with a DAC ($299 refurbished)
Marantz PM5004 ($359)
Re-built vintage NAD 3120 ($400 - rebuilt by an AK member!)
OR - go with a nice pre-amp / T-amp combo (which would probably come out to about $250-$300) - of which I assume there are all kinds of combinations.
Given all the parameters I've thrown out there, please let me know suggestions you have, especially if I am missing something that I should obviously be considering! I really appreciate it!!
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