Is there an advantage to getting this model and adding a phono pre-amp versus buying the model with the phono pre-amp and USB built in?
1996292
I would certainly get a separate phono preamp if you budget allows, the built-in/usb model is a very basic quality preamp. If you never have any plans of upgrading from the 2M Red cartridge then the built in is probably adequate.
1996293
Yes, it is advantageous. If you ever upgrade the stock cartridge, or decide to try a Moving Coil (MC) type, the flexibility an outboard phono stage provides is unsurpassed.
1996294
If you have a bunch of old records that you can't get on Cd or MP3, and you just want to listen to them, get the model with the built in pre-amp. You will also then be able to put them on your computer. But if you are looking for a vinyl based system that beats cds, mp3s etc, then you'll need a higher end turntable, cartridge etc. Otherwise you're better off plugging your Ipod straight into your amp!
1996295
It depends on what you want to do with it. The model with USB is really only for converting analog audio to digital which to me only makes sense if you have music on vinyl only and need to get it onto a digital device. If you are into the really high end analog sound then you should probably also be looking at a higher end turntable too. I would get the one without the USB and then get a good receiver/amp with a built in phono stage. Yamaha and Marantz make excellent units for not much money. I use a Yamaha that sounds awesome with all the effects turned off. That way you save some bucks and have time to decide how far you want to go with this. It depends on what you want to do with it. The model with USB is really only for converting analog audio to digital which to me only makes sense if you have music on vinyl only and need to get it onto a digital device. If you are into the really high end analog sound then you should probably also be looking at a higher end turntable too. I would get the one without the USB and then get a good receiver/amp with a built in phono stage. Yamaha and Marantz make excellent units for not much money. I use a Yamaha that sounds awesome with all the effects turned off. That way you save some bucks... » Read More It depends on what you want to do with it. The model with USB is really only for converting analog audio to digital which to me only makes sense if you have music on vinyl only and need to get it onto a digital device. If you are into the really high end analog sound then you should probably also be looking at a higher end turntable too. I would get the one without the USB and then get a good receiver/amp with a built in phono stage. Yamaha and Marantz make excellent units for not much money. I use a Yamaha that sounds awesome with all the effects turned off. That way you save some bucks and have time to decide how far you want to go with this. « Show Less
829434
The Marantz TT42P is a nice piece of equipment. It works well. I found almost no staticwhen playing old Vinyl records. If your amplifier has phono input that means you cannot use a turntable with a preamp. You have to buy a turntable without a preamp!
1308674
The HK 3390 has "decent" Phono and Tuner sections. Having a Phono preamp at all is valuable. Both are mid-Fi and listenable. The real value in this large, heavy hardware is the clean, robust power amp section, which will crank any size speakers. A great value IMHO.
2213462
I have not used the receiver with usb input. Phono and CD input plus receiver provide all of my quality listening. Old school input I know.
699193
We have sold both units you're asking about for years and they are both wonderful! Both have good pre-amps and are built well. And both work well with all of the current DAWs. Don't stress, either will serve you well!
1247797
I am not sure why you need to use the set up menu. Are there not separate inputs on the back for phono and CD? your phono preamp outputs should be connected to the CD inputs (or any other analog two channel input). You should only connect to the phono input on the AVR if you have a moving magnet cartridge and don't have a separate phono preamp.
1773399
I use a pro-ject phono box which is approx 149 dollars and it is wonderful. It should be much more than 149. However, I used an integrated amp receiver for many years too.
1608405
There aren't any phono inputs so it's not really a great option. However, you can purchase a separate pre-amp that you can then plug in to any stereo inputs (cd, tape, etc...). Not really the best option, but it is a work around.
421325
If you have a more modern receiver without a "phono" input, you will need to also purchase a preamplifier. I have this and the audio-techna preamp and am very happy with it.
298311
Thank you for clearing up my question about the phono input hookup. I appreciate your taking the time. I'll go into a higher equipped model which will solve the problem.Dana M. KottCathedral City, CA
2184792
Sorry I don't know the Project Phono Box USB product... but I use one of the Sherwood Amps they sell in radio Shack as it had phono preamp built in.. so you will need a pre amp. The cheap 50 x 50 w amp is fine because the Rega cartridge is exceptional and I have really goo speakers on the other enf
2143905
I use a Bellari VP 130 Tube Phono Preamp...but used a different tube than the one that came with the amp. Sounds great.
1382309
It's an integrated amp, so you don't normally need a pre-amp. However there is no phono stage so you would need one for your turntable in order to bring the sound from the vinyl back to RIAA standard. Good speaker cables, too, obviously.
82372
Unfortunately this is not a phono pre-amp, you would need to purchase one separately.
1927616
The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the Cambridge that can play both, but some units don't. The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the... » Read More The Cambridge is definitely a better preamp than the one in a standard receiver. Whether or not you can hear the difference will depend on how much better it is than the preamp in your Marantz. I would say that if your Marantz is near their top of the line quality, then you might not hear much improvement. If it is a budget quality model, you would probably notice an improvement. Obviously, your phono cartridge quality will make a world of difference also. Good luck!!! PS Be careful to order a preamp that plays the type of cartridge you have- moving coil or moving magnet. I bought the Cambridge that can play both, but some units don't. « Show Less
2222819
Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound at low cost. RegardsDanai Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound... » Read More Hi, Definitely, the sound will improved. The build in phono preamp sound quality is low in order to keep the cost down. To disable the build in preamp, the phono cartridge will has to be wired directly to the input of the external phono preamp. Your AT LP120 may already have RCA jacks and or switches to bypass the build in preamp. Look at the turntable manual. In general, vacuum tube preamps sound better than solid state or transistor preamp. The vacuum tube preamp is more expensive than the solid state preamp. Bellari VP130 is an exception. It is excellent in sound at low cost. RegardsDanai « Show Less
388595
No problem. I use in a one-channel antique jukebox for the phono input. Very few of the modern ones have a phono input anymore and they need a pre-amp. This is a road-warrior amp, and I have used several of them for different projects over the years. One takes the output from my surround sound unit and powers speaker pairs all over the house. Another goo feature is that the off-on switch stays in the position you leave it and can be used in a switched power outlet of a master amp or anything else you want it to respond to. I keep coming back to this amp and have been very happy with them...especially the price and availability.