Novice needs advice!

[jimmy147]

I have just inherited some 1980's separates that includes a Rega turntable. Due to space & requirements I would like to play the turntable through an all in 1 unit (pre-amp/amp,speakers) if there is such a thing? I don't need to play any other sources such as CD or radio but understand I might need to have them in order to play vinyl... Help

 

[Al ears]

By all in one do you mean like a ghetto blaster or a compact unit with separate speakers?
Perhaps you could get a phono preamp and a pair of active speakers?

 

[DCarmi]

You could get a Pro-Ject preamp for about £50. If the amplified device doesn't have phono connector (to connect to the pre-amp) then you can get a phono to 3.5mm cable.

As AI ears says, you should look at active speakers. If you are looking to set this up on a minimal budget then something like Edifier 1280DB or similar, of which there are loads. If you don't like the turntable, then you have some speakers you could use for Bluetooth streaming or hooking up t a PC .

Risk is you'll want to start down the slippery slope of upgrading bits and buying vinyl. 😉

 

[Deleted member 116933]

Klipsch make a nice pair of active speakers with a phono stage could be just what you're after

 

[jimmy147]

Ok 1by 1.
Al ears, I am looking for 1 unit that has whatever amp I need & speakers from 1 power cable.
DCarmi, can I connect turntable straight to the Edifier 1280DB's?
All ready have a vinyl collection that came from my Dad, lots of Pink Floyd!
millenia_one, again can I connect the turntable direct to the Klipsch speakers?
Thank you all for your replies, looks like I've caught the vinyl bug already...

 

[Deleted member 116933]

Ok 1by 1.
Al ears, I am looking for 1 unit that has whatever amp I need & speakers from 1 power cable.
DCarmi, can I connect turntable straight to the Edifier 1280DB's?
All ready have a vinyl collection that came from my Dad, lots of Pink Floyd!
millenia_one, again can I connect the turntable direct to the Klipsch speakers?
Thank you all for your replies, looks like I've caught the vinyl bug already...

sure can

Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker,Black : Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

Shop Klipsch R-41PM Powered Bookshelf Speaker,Black. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders.

www.amazon.co.uk

they also have all the digital inputs you need as well

as no one has touched on it and you haven't mentioned it, it might be worth replacing the stylus/cartrige before you start play any records just in case its old or damaged

 

[jimmy147]

It has an Ortofon stylus that is probably old, should I replace just that or whole cartridge?

 

[Al ears]

It has an Ortofon stylus that is probably old, should I replace just that or whole cartridge?

To be sure replace the whole cartridge, there is often not much difference in price between this and a replacement stylus

 

[iMark]

If you have never replaced a cartridge I would recommend to have it done at a dealer. They have the right tools.
A stylus replacement however is quite easy.

The Klipsch speakers look very interesting. So far I haven't found any other brands selling active speakers with a built-in phono stage.

 

[jimmy147]

Thanks for the tip iMark, do the Edifier 1280's not have a built-in phono stage too?
If I was going for a "ghetto blaster" as mentioned by Al ears what would you recommend?
I have seen Ruark make something suitable but not quite in my budget!

 

[iMark]

According to https://www.edifier.com/int/en/speakers/studio-1280t-2.0-powered-bookshelf they only have regular line-in, no phono in.

I can't imagine there are are any ghetto blaster style units with a phone stage. You would still need a separate phono stage.

What's your budget so we don't recommend anything outrageously priced?

 

[DCarmi]

According to https://www.edifier.com/int/en/speakers/studio-1280t-2.0-powered-bookshelf they only have regular line-in, no phono in.

It has dual RCA inputs. I did say you'd need a preamp, like the Pro-Ject one. There are lots of options for active speakers, depending on your budget and facilities you'd like. For example, will you connect it to a TV? Do you need headphones out? etc

I'd recommend scouting through reviews to decide on a preferred list. Bear in mind that the quality you is generally reflected in the price you pay.

 

[jimmy147]

Ideally I would like only the turntable & 1 other plug to need power, so either powered speakers or a unit with the correct amplification and speakers all in 1. My budget is under £500 (nearer £400 hopefully), headphone output preferably & bluetooth but no other connections needed.

 

[DCarmi]

Most active speakers will still require a preamp for a turntable. I know Klipsch do one with preamp built in, as do Kanto. There may be others that are in your price range.

Headphone sockets are generally on speakers more intended for PC usage. Neither the Klipsch nor Kanto speaker have one. Bluetooth is fairly common on such devices.

The two I mention are Klipsch R-51PM and Kanto YU4. I have not heard either so don't treat as a recommendation.

 

[Al ears]

Perhaps something like this, although you would need a phono preamp.

PANASONIC SC-HC302 Bluetooth Flat Panel Hi-Fi System - Black

CD player; DAB+/DAB / FM radio; Bluetooth; Output power: 20 W; USB / Aux-in

www.currys.co.uk

 

[DCarmi]

...or go for a small footprint amplifier and some passive speakers. e.g NAD D3020 V2
https://www.whathifi.com/nad/d-3020-v2/review
and perhaps some Mordant Short M10 or Wharfedale 9.0 which should come in under £460, all in.

Meets the single plug, headphone socket, bluetooth and turntable capable criteria.

 

[jimmy147]

Thanks for all your advice folks, think I am going to go down the Klipsch road. Will let you know how I get on!