Theatre setup with turntable

[JDCheek]

Need some help but need to share a couple of data points..

My current basement setup is an 8 year old Denon 3802 reciever, Paradigm monitor 11's in the front, 9's in the rear, with the pl 300? Sub. I recently replaced the DVD with Bluray, and have a new Samsung series LED 55' TV mounted on the wall. I am pleased with the sound quality, but would like to upgrade the receiver. I would love to have a Mcintosh MC 206 or 207, and the MX 136. HDMI is a must. Have thought about the new Marantz, saw that there is a new Rotel receiver out, but want to add one more complication.

The new TV, all new furniture, make this spot in the basement a place I want to spend more time. My main system is on the main level, and many times critical listening with a family can be difficult.

I have avoided going into vinyl, but feel the need to do some exploring. Before I consider what I want to do for a turntable, I want to better understand what my options might be if I want to run the turntable through the theatre/same system. Is this possible? Can you do this with a receiver, or does this create a demand for a processor that has two channel switching? I would like to get this done without spending a fortune, which is nearly impossible for me. Every project takes twice as long, and always double the original budget.

Thoughts?

[howiebrou]

Most receivers today even the cheapo ones have the ability to accept normal two channel sources like cdp and turntables. When you switch the source to these inputs the output can be set to be pure 2 channel so it should not be a problem at all.

What you might wish to consider is whether you want the receiver to have a specific phono input or to use an outboard phono stage and then use the AUX input. I would suggest the latter as onboard phono stages on HT receivers are generally so so in quality.


howie

[JDCheek]

That makes sense. So if I choose to go the route of the Marantz, add a high quality external phono stage, I should be good to go. Any suggestions on this type of setup what phono stage I would use?

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JDCheek

That makes sense. So if I choose to go the route of the Marantz, add a high quality external phono stage, I should be good to go. Any suggestions on this type of setup what phono stage I would use?

Ah well this all depends on how serious your vinyl set up is!, what turntable you use, what cartridge you use etc etc. This is a million dollar question. Your marantz will handle any phono stage you give it. Some might say it would be a waste to spend too much on your vinyl set up but I say spend what you can so that when you update the rest of the gear you don't necessarily have to upgrade the vinyl system as well.

You might wish to ask about the phono stage on the turntable forum bit.

Myself i use a Nagra VPS and like it very much. The Nagra BPS is great value as well and well worth checking out.

howie

[vintage_tube]

Originally Posted by JDCheek

That makes sense. So if I choose to go the route of the Marantz, add a high quality external phono stage, I should be good to go. Any suggestions on this type of setup what phono stage I would use?

Actually there are several good phono amps out there -- like anything else, depends on your budget. Also depends on if you want just a MM or MC phono stage or both. A box that incorporates both, I'd suggest first looking into a PS Audio GCPH or EAR 834P (the latter is tube). The PS Audio GCPH was my last standalone box and was very versatile and moreso than the EAR.

Others to consider would be (and I don't recall the prices for most -- some are couple $K's);

Jolida JD-9
Musical Fidelity kW Phono amp
Simaudio Moon LP3
Sutherland (battery operated)
AR Ph7
Bellari 129 (which is very inexpensive) or the MT502 (which is close to $500)

There are plenty of good phono stages out there -- making the right choice that you are happy with and that mates well with your cartridge is the key IMO.

Bob

[Face]

The JD-9 is very versatile and sounds good for the money.

[80B]

The MX-136/MC20X combination is an excellent choice. On the TT front, there are a number of those that compete at my Rega P3-24's price point. The combo of the MX-136 with a TT works just fine. If you're going to 'dip a toe' in vinyl, a TT like that is a good way to find out if it's for you. As an aside, my setup is used primarily for 2 channel listening, most of that from the server. Some 5.1 SACDs get played, as well as HT, but the TV is used as a computer monitor much more than for HT or TV.

My experience has been that vinyl sounds great, but really requires a dedicated listening session (45 RPM albums hold about 2 tracks/side although they sound great), and I don't have the time (truth be told, also make the time!) to do that very often.

[JDCheek]

Your comment is interesting. I wonder if I like the thought of vinyl, but would not really be patient enough to really enjoy it. I do most of my listening today through the squeezebox into the MDA 1000. The rest is out of the MS 300. Can you say convenient?

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JDCheek

Your comment is interesting. I wonder if I like the thought of vinyl, but would not really be patient enough to really enjoy it. I do most of my listening today through the squeezebox into the MDA 1000. The rest is out of the MS 300. Can you say convenient?

Sounds like Vinyl is the perfect antidote to sound hopping which you can do at the touch of a button with your squeezebox!

A cheap turntable e.g. from Rega or Project can be set up for very little money indeed and you can try it to see if you like it. Vinyl listening can be very relaxing as it forces you to go slowly.

Its a little bit like using prime lenses instead of zoom lenses on cameras. It forces you to think more and the end result is more fulfilling.

howie

[JDCheek]

Looking for a turntable has been harder than I thought. I listened to the VPI Scoutmanster at a local store into Wilson Sophias, through Acoustic Research. Not impressed.
At another local store, both high end stores, I listened to an entry level Thorens through a Marantz reference integrated and KEF XQ-20's, which I own. Marvelous sound, but what an ugly piece of plastic.
I have worked with two different dealers online discussing Clearaudio, VPI, Hanss, Sota, even a refurbished Marantz 6300. So many choices, and so many price ranges. Totally confused.
Right now I have made an offer to purchase from a friend an Sota Star Sapphire, SME IV-Vi arm with Grado Sonata Cartridge. More table than I probably need, but a beauty to look at.
Any thoughts on a Phono stage to pair with the Sonata? I love the looks of the new Fosgate reference, but it has a steep price tag. Any thoughts on a stage under $500 that I can sell or trade later if I decide to upgrade to the Art Audio, Fosgate or other higher end stage? Any other suggestions before I dive head first? Still looking at putting this through an 8 Year old Denon HT receiver for now. Will probably look to upgrade that in the future with a receiver or seperates that has 2 channel pass through.