Amplifier stage

[priam]

How important is it? I have a dedicated phono-preamp. Can I just connect it to a powered speaker, is there any advantage of an amplifier stage?

The amplifier stage I have is a decade old, any measures I should take before I plug it into the system?

 

[priam]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

 

[Vladimir]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

 

[priam]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

I know the basics of setting up a turntable, was just wondering if an Amplifier stage is worth it, and how to make sure that a decade old amplifier doesn't ruin the system.

 

[Al ears]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

I know the basics of setting up a turntable, was just wondering if an Amplifier stage is worth it, and how to make sure that a decade old amplifier doesn't ruin the system.

If I understand what you are trying to do correctly I would say it was vital.

You need something to get that weak signal from your cartridge up to a level that the speakers can make use of.

 

[Vladimir]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

I know the basics of setting up a turntable, was just wondering if an Amplifier stage is worth it, and how to make sure that a decade old amplifier doesn't ruin the system.

Please fully disclose your gear, otherwise we are shooting in the dark.

 

[priam]

Currently a Rega Planar 1, a Rega Mini Fono a2d.

Wondering if I should go for powered speakers or an amplifier. I think I have an amplifier from a decade ago by Onkyo.

 

[Vladimir]

Currently a Rega Planar 1, a Rega Mini Fono a2d.

Wondering if I should go for powered speakers or an amplifier. I think I have an amplifier from a decade ago by Onkyo.

Which model number is the amp? If working well I'd reuse it and get some passive speakers.

 

[priam]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

I know the basics of setting up a turntable, was just wondering if an Amplifier stage is worth it, and how to make sure that a decade old amplifier doesn't ruin the system.

Please fully disclose your gear, otherwise we are shooting in the dark.

A Rega Planar 1, Rega Fono Mini A2D, (a decade old Denon amp - unsure of model,) and then speakers.

Speakers unsure yet, just wondering if there are steps I should take in ressurecting an amp that has been dormant for the better part of a decade.

 

[Vladimir]

I should perhaps mention that my current phono-preamp is the Rega Fono Mini A2D.

You need to control the volume somehow. If the powered speakers have a practical solution to this (remote controll) then you should be able to plug your phono pre directly without any issues.

I know the basics of setting up a turntable, was just wondering if an Amplifier stage is worth it, and how to make sure that a decade old amplifier doesn't ruin the system.

Please fully disclose your gear, otherwise we are shooting in the dark.

A Rega Planar 1, Rega Fono Mini A2D, (a decade old Denon amp - unsure of model,) and then speakers.

Speakers unsure yet, just wondering if there are steps I should take in ressurecting an amp that has been dormant for the better part of a decade.

Do you own a multimeter?

Set the range to mV DC and measure the speaker terminals of the amp while turned on and nothing playing or connected to it. Measure the left, then measure the right. If each channel measures less than -/+25mV DC it should be in good shape.

 

[priam]

Further updates the Amplifier is a NAD 3130. It seems to work fine, although the hand-me-downs speakers are experiencing fuzz noise.

 

[Vladimir]

Wow, that is more than a "decade old". *biggrin*

Time for a new(er) one.

 

[Jim_W]

The Nad 3130 has an excellent phono stage but, like all amps of a certain vintage, it could probably do with a service; I changed the caps in mine and it sounds fine for an aging budget amp. Not totally neutral, a little dark, but a big and bold presentation and ideal for a second system. Check round the back and make sure the phono switch is set to MM and not MC. Clean the connectors between preamp and amp too. Or buy a new amp!

 

[priam]

Hi Jim, I have a different phono stage. The Rega Mini Fono A2D

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Have you tried the internal phono stage on the NAD?

 

[priam]

Update, connected the whole system to a pair of Q Acoustics 3020. The fuzz has reduced, but still extremely audible. Will try to see if I can change the amp.

 

[Vladimir]

Is the fuzz like mains humm and audible when no music is playing?

 

[priam]

Only when music is playing, why?

Btw, what is the best way to store the stylus brush, its so small and so exposed.

 

[Vladimir]

Only when music is playing, why?

99.99% chances are only thing needed to get it going perfect is cleaning the potentiometers and switches with electronics contact cleaner.

One of these. £4.99 at Maplins.

On the image bellow you can see where are the pots and switches that need to be cleaned (green rectangles). Have the amplifier unpluged from the mains socket. Spray Servisol in the potentiometers and switches very sparsely, you want get the liquid to go only inside. Spray individual pot/switch, then rapidly push/turn knobs to get the spray to work the dirty surfaces inside and clean them. Let the spray dry out for couple of hours before pluging the amp in the mains. That's it.



(click on the image to zoom in)

 

[priam]

If I decide to go for a new amp, what would you reccomend? I don't want anything that is unnecessary, as minimalistic as possible, and compact. The amp equivalent of the Rega Mini Fono A2D, basically.

 

[chris_bates1974]

Depends on budget, but for not a lot of money, I've seen a couple of mine floating around on ebay - around £150-170. To my mind, that's an absolute bargain. Doesn't contain an internal phono stage. My Rega stuff sounds awesome coming through it.

New, I was lucky enough to hear the newest version of the Rega Brio. It's gorgeous.

However, best bet is to go and listen to a few....

Enjoy!

 

[priam]

So, I now have the Q Acoustics 3020, what are some good budget friendly amplifiers that can match it? Bearing in mind that I already have a dedicated preamplifier.

Frequency response: 64Hz – 22 kHz
Nominal impedence: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 88dB
Recommended amplifier power: 25-75W
Crossover frequency: 2.9kHz

Whoever is the first person to create a site that calcuates these figures and spits out reccomended amplifiers would be a millionaire.

 

[Vladimir]

Rega Brio would fit nicely I think.

Regardless if going for new, I think you should do the NAD a cleaning. It's always good to have a spare amp and something to compare to.

 

[priam]

Having done a cleaning, it's still fuzzy, albeit slightly improved. So I might need a new amp afterall. The Rega Brio will break my budget though, is there anything under 200 quid worth considering?

 

[priam]

Are stereo receivers the same thing as amplifiers?