Pre amp recommendation

agrinnall

I have recently dug out my turntable from the box where it's been hidden away for several years in the hope of being able to play my vinyl again. Unfortunately the sound level from it through my Denon RCD-M39 mini system is very low, even turned up to 50 (it won't go to 51 even if I channel my best Spinal Tap impression) it's nowhere near loud enough.

The answer seems to be a pre amp, so I'm looking for recommendations for something cheap but without additional buzzes and crackles - think £20 rather than £200. And preferably black and small so it fits next to the rest of the system.

I found this, which looked promising apart from a couple of bad reviews, but it's discontinued, and the one they sell now has only bad reviews.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/stereo-phono-pre-amplifier-qm51f

And this one, but it's not black.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/turntable-accessories/btech/bt26-pre-amp/b-te-bt26prea

Any other thoughts?

Moneymaker

The answer depends on whether your pickup cartridge is the ceramic or magnetic type - unless you buy a pre-amp which can be switched to either.

In the past I have built my own RIAA stereo pre-amp (for a Shure magnetic cartridge). That was in the days of transistors. Nowadays it's much easier with I.C.s Here's a typical design:
http://www.recordingmag.com/resources/resourceDetail/319.html

(As it's something without adjustments that you hide away, I don't understand why the colour bothers you.)

agrinnall

It's magnetic. It won't be hidden as it (obviously) needs to fit between the turntable and the mini system, and there's no place to hide it. And I won't be building my own, life's too short.

Stompa

This seems to get reasonable reviews:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-PP400-Microphono-Compact-Preamp/dp/B000H2BC4E/

agrinnall

Thanks Stompa, looks promising.

Tiexen

A little more (£50) but I bought this:



The Pro-Ject Phono Box MM has a Metal case that shields the electronics from vibrational and electromagnetic interference as well as using Special low-noise ICs. It has Optimal channel separation through dual-mono circuitry and Gold plated RCA connection sockets with DC power supply. With Features including Amplification and RIAA equalisation for MM cartridges and with the Small size it allows installation close to a record player

agrinnall

Thanks Tiexen, that does look pretty good, and one of the reviews on the Richer Sounds website specifically mentions using it with my mini-system which is a good sign.

almillar

I've got this one or very similar, with good results. My record deck is still the quietest component. USB powered is handy if you've a spare port somewhere.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002GHBYZ0?keywords=preamp&qid=1444391840&ref_=sr_1_9&sr=8-9

agrinnall

Thanks Al, that potentially could be pretty useful as the Denon does have a USB port. Have you noticed any drop in quality compared to using the deck with a phono connection to an amp (if you ever did such a thing)? I doubt if my dodgy ears would tell the difference anyway.

Tiexen

almillar wrote: »

I've got this one or very similar, with good results. My record deck is still the quietest component. USB powered is handy if you've a spare port somewhere.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002GHBYZ0?keywords=preamp&qid=1444391840&ref_=sr_1_9&sr=8-9

Please note the above does not have RIAA equalisation - you'd need to use software to alter the sound to match what it should sound like

"RIAA equalization is a specification for the recording and playback of phonograph records, established by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). RIAA equalization is a form of pre-emphasis on recording and de-emphasis on playback"

almillar

(if you ever did such a thing)?

Never been able to back to back it with anything, but maintains the vinyl warmth that I'm used to from hearing various setups. Before jumping in - make sure you know when the USB port on the Denon is powered - the USB port on my amp is only powered when that input is selected, no good for me.

Please note the above does not have RIAA equalisation - you'd need to use software to alter the sound to match what it should sound like

Never heard of this, but doesn't sound like something I'd want to apply to my records! Does this apply to UK recordings? Does an amp's phono stage (the thing this gadget replaces) do this as standard?