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Post by chris1234 on Jun 23, 2019 17:32:27 GMT
Just in the process of setting up my first hi-fi system.
Decided to join TAS to hopefully pick up a few pointers!
Currently own the following:
Technics Quartz SL-1210MK2
Audio Technica AT95E
Saving up to buy the following:
Q acoustics 3020
...and in an attempt to keep it simple at this stage I was going to to buy the Mini-1 amp from Amptastic but it seems like they have ceased trading as I can't purchase anything from their website and I'm not getting a response to my emails etc.
I'm struggling to find a replacement amp with similar reviews,great value and simplicity (which is attractive to a novice like me!)
I'm on a pretty tight budget so anything under £150 would be ideal.
Any recommendations on any of bits of kit would be greatly appreciated!
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 23, 2019 17:42:34 GMT
Hi Chris and welcome to The Audio Standard.
Your first system? Excellent!
You'll be needing a phono stage of some sort for your turntable. Do you already have something or will you be buying one?
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Post by Pinch on Jun 23, 2019 17:44:11 GMT
Hi Chris, I have a stock 1210 running into a Marantz PM6005 in my second system - does the job nicely. I can see them listed secondhand on ebay for £175ish.
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Post by petea on Jun 23, 2019 17:50:24 GMT
Welcome to TAS, Chris.
Would you consider something from eBay?
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 23, 2019 18:12:38 GMT
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Post by MartinT on Jun 23, 2019 18:13:35 GMT
I think Angle make some good inexpensive phono amps, as does Graham Slee.
Or else look for a good 1980s Japanese integrated amp with phono stage. £150 should get you a nice example.
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Post by Slinger on Jun 23, 2019 18:26:46 GMT
A used Arcam Diva A65, or an Alpha 7 or 8, should be on eBay for around the £150 mark.
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Post by chris1234 on Jun 23, 2019 18:45:14 GMT
Thanks for all of your messages/recommendations!
Do you know, I totally presumed all amps came with with a phono stage having borrowed a friend's integrated amp for a while. I now understand what the 'integrated' part of 'integrated amp' means- I'm learning already!
Is it generally advised to buy the pre and power amp separately? from a quick search, I found a page that said lots of integrated amps built today lack a quality phono stage as they aren't used as much as when vinyl was the defacto- which makes the vintage integrated amp recommendations sounds attractive if this is true!
Also, concerned buying an extra part is going to delay the date I can sit down and enjoy my records due to my budget! so maybe integrated would be best for the first system with a view to upgrading?
petea- I would definitely consider buying from ebay!
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Post by MartinT on Jun 23, 2019 18:53:26 GMT
In the 1980s, phono stages in integrated amps were still done properly as they were mostly the primary input.
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Post by MikeMusic on Jun 23, 2019 19:26:44 GMT
Hi Chris
Welcome to TAS
SMSL Q5 is a fantastic VFM amp
Not sure of the phono stage to match. Maybe SMSL
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 23, 2019 19:46:09 GMT
The SMSL that Mike mentions is very close in philosophy to the Amptastic that you were chasing. A 'get you going' phono stage need not cost anawful lot more.
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Post by julesd68 on Jun 25, 2019 12:48:09 GMT
I absolutely love the Q5 and am still using it for TV duties. But for analogue and ease of use I would be more tempted to get a 'classic integrated' with built in phono, Japanese or British. One of the amps from the Sony ES range would be ideal. I once had a Sony TA-F690ES for under 200 quid that was an amazing performer for the money, chock full of features including a phono stage. I expect the 670ES would be good too. Germany happens to be a very good source of ES amps as they go nuts for them over there but prices can be higher. My Cyrus 1 would also be ideal but sorry I'm keeping that!  |
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Post by Slinger on Jun 25, 2019 14:55:30 GMT
I'll vote for an Arcam again, or even a NAD. They both tended to have decent MM phono inputs, and both brands still sound pretty good for what they cost on eBay these days. You could even go for something like the NAD C730 which has a phono input plus an AM/FM tuner. There's one on eBay at the moment that'll give you change from £120.00
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