Simple Vinyl Playback

Arigon26 -- Thu, 05/25/2006 - 00:56

:D I need help with a problem. I am new to the high end of audio, and do not have the room space or finances for most of the components I would like.
I can not play audio at normal listing levels so speakers are not an issue.
I can not listen at normal levels and will be using headphones.
My question is what turntable above entry level will provide the most music with just a headphone amp? Can I just buy a good unit or do I need a phonestage as well.

Tom Martin -- Fri, 05/26/2006 - 06:59

Assuming you use a dedicated headphone amp, you will need a phono stage. If you use an integreated amp with both a headphone amp and a phono stage, then you're set of course. The Absolute Sound Editors Choice 2005 (available under AVguide Recommends) lists some choices for phono preamps, but if you don't want to spend that much, Parasound makes a nice unit for $199 if I remember correctly.

CEO and Editorial Director, Nextscreen LLC

Arigon26 -- Fri, 05/26/2006 - 09:13

Thank you for the information. I want to buy the best turntable/cartridge I can get. I listened to a Michelle TecnoDec, Benz cartridge set up with a Consonance M99 integrated amp. It was very lush even though the Rega speakers were just out of the box. I just received an e-mail notice of the HA-1A Integrated Headphone Vacuum Tube Amplifier by Cayin Audio. Piece is to new to listen to but seems like exactly what I want. If I match this and the TecnoDec to a good tube phonostage, will I even need the Consonance amp? Thanks

wgarcia -- Tue, 06/13/2006 - 11:45

Though Tom answered your original question, I happened to see your question while exploring the site. The answer is no. If you go with the Cayin headphone amp and a dedicated phonostage you will not need the Consnance integrated amp.