Second hand amp or new phono stage

[cisamcgu]

Hi all,

I will shortly be getting a second hand Rega Planar 3 and will therefore need a phono input. Currently I have a Denon mini CD system which has no phono input - so, the question is - should I spend £85 on the Rega mini phono stage and plug that into my Denon or £85 on a ebay amplifier which has a phono stage ?

Which is the better choice ? And if it is the ampifier, which amplifier ?

Thanks

Andrew

 

[MakkaPakka]

But would the new amplifier be ok with whatever speakers you have now. Do you have a replacement CD player to go with a new amp?

Incidentally, there are plenty of phono stages cheaper than £85 around.

 

[cisamcgu]

My speakers are old wharfedale dentons, which I would upgrade at a later date. I don't have a replacement CD player, but I presumed I could plug this Denon mini player into the ebay amp (if I bought one) - is this not right ?

Are there any phono stages, with a USB input that are "good value" but less than the £85 for the Rega ?

Wow, hi fi is a very confusing thing .. bikes are so much simpler

 

[MakkaPakka]

If the Denon has L/R ouputs then you can use it as a source. You could use its headphone output if it hasn't got L/R outputs on the back but that is not a good option.

The USB is an output, not an input. It's to make converting vinyl to computer files easier though I'm not sure how much better it is than just using normal L/R leads. Not sure about alternatives with USB.

I don't know if you mean motorbikes or pushbikes. My knowledge is of the latter and they been a source of much confusion plenty of times. Like the time I destroyed a chainset with a crank puller, or the struggles I had trying to remove the plastic cup on a bottom bracket.

 

[cisamcgu]

This is the back of the mini CD system http://www.kenrockwell.com/audio/denon/ud-m30.htm

I was hoping to get a USB output (not input ) because my daughter would like to move my LPs to digital so she can listen through her ipod.

Yes, pushbikes : lovely simple machines

However, cycling fora are very like here, lots of people asking what bike to get, when in reality, within any given price bracket, most bikes are similar and it needs a test ride to see if they "fit" - just like HIFI

 

[MakkaPakka]

The Denon appears to have every connection you would need - and then some - it could even be connected to a power amp or active speakers as it will work as a pre-amp and a source.

Unless you really want to change to a separate amp then the Rega phono stage is probably the way to go. Any phono stage can be connected to a PC to turn vinyl into MP3 but USB is almost certainly going to make it easier.

I used to post on bikeradar but I'm not really 'into' bikes - certainly not carbon seat posts or whatnot to save a few grammes. My bike is all about the commute and as close to zero maintenance as possible - 48 spoke rear wheel, fixed gear, one brake. Simple and efficient and so un-flash it's all the more satisfying when I fly past two grand carbon bikes (I do that a lot - pretty much the highlight of my day).

 

[cisamcgu]

Thanks for your advice.

I will have a search for the cheapest Rega phono stage (but £85 is what everyone seems to be selling it for), unless there is a cheaper option with the built in USB output.

The only one I can see is http://www.whathifi.com/review/cambridge-audio-azur-640p, but no USB (it may even be discontinued)

choices, choices...

My bike is a rather untidy Dawes horizon, with too many gears :shifty: ; I rarely, if ever, pass anyone - spend most of my time pootling along in not much of a hurry. I posted on bikeradar too, for a bit, but moved to cyclechat - much more relaxed place

Again, many thanks

Andrew

 

[MakkaPakka]

I think you have probably already located the cheapest option for a USB output. If USB is not the priority you could save £35 and go for this instead:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Ject-Project-Phono-Box-MM-Phono-Stage-Black-/231168139847?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item35d2b1e247

or save £65 and go for this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/behringer-pp400-microphono-pp-400-phono-preamp-pp-400-NEW-/151221746474?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item233584bb2a

With either of those all you need is a 2XRCA to 3.5mm connection to go to your computer's line in and use audacity to record.

 

[MakkaPakka]

I think you have probably already located the cheapest option for a USB output. If USB is not the priority you could save £35 and go for this instead:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Ject-Project-Phono-Box-MM-Phono-Stage-Black-/231168139847?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Amplifiers&hash=item35d2b1e247

or save £65 and go for this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/behringer-pp400-microphono-pp-400-phono-preamp-pp-400-NEW-/151221746474?pt=UK_Guitar_Accessories&hash=item233584bb2a

With either of those all you need is a 2XRCA to 3.5mm connection to go to your computer's line in and use audacity to record.

 

[cisamcgu]

I use a laptop mostly, is the "line-in" the same as the microphone input ?

Andrew

 

[Per-Sony-fied]

This... http://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/ui/support/support-product-details.aspx?ProductID=444 isnt exactly £85 but for £129 or cheaper if you can find one has a USB output.