Budget Receiver with Phono and Bluetooth

rburgess714

Would like to build a budget 2 channel system for a friend. She has an old sony ps-t2 turntable that appears to be in good shape and a collection of vinyl that hasn't been played in 20 yrs. Looking for suggestions for a receiver or integrated with phono and bluetooth would be a bonus or an optical input to connect chomecast. She is not an audiophile so entry level gear is more than sufficient. Used is fine and would like to find a unit under $200. Will also be looking for some cheap bookies. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

RB

Nightfall

I don't know what you'll find new in the under $200 category that has a phono preamp. You might have to get an external one.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&O=&Q=&ap=y&c3api=1876,{creative},{keyword}&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwa6VhqK72AIVD8JkCh23xQTeEAQYBCABEgIGvvD_BwE&is=REG&m=Y&sku=1246224

Get this and maybe look on Craigslist for Monitor 5/7's and find an external phono preamp.

rburgess714

That little receiver doesn’t look bad for this scenario.

Tony M

I bought a used Pyle Hybrid receiver a year ago and was quite impressed when I hooked it up to my JBL pros. This link is to a similar one. Affordable audio !

Sorry, this one doesn't have a Phono input.

I'm not sure about mine. I'll check the web now.

https://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Amplifiers/24804/subcat.html?featuredproduct=11041467&featuredoption=17045215&cid=225772&kid=113194307315267&track=BingPLA&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=bingpla&utm_source=bingpla&countrycode=US&gclid=CIGkjfvTvNgCFUaygQod3RwIEw&gclsrc=ds&dclid=CMOGkPvTvNgCFUR3wQodq2sNJg

The one I bought doesn't do Bluetooth or phono . This was cheap but it is powerful. How long it will last is another issue.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/859936-REG/Pyle_Pro_PT270AIU_PT270AIU_600_Watts_Stereo.html

hochpt21

Harman Kardon HK3490

Used for under $200

Seems like it would be perfect for her scenario. I had one and absolutely loved it.

From Home Theater Review..."It delivers a robust 120 watts per channel into eight ohms (150 wpc into four ohms).

Its rear and front panel provide seven analog audio inputs, including a phono input for those listeners who want to enjoy their vinyl (the phono input accommodates moving-magnet phono cartridges).

It includes coaxial and optical digital audio inputs - ideal for users with older CD and DVD players that might get better sound from utilizing the up-to-date D/A circuitry in the HK 3490.

The receiver has four composite video inputs and a dedicated input for the Harman Kardon The Bridge II iPod docking station. This latter feature enables you to connect an iPod via The Bridge II (sold separately); the iPod can then be controlled from the HK 3490's remote control and menus that are displayed on a connected TV or on the receiver's front panel."

mhardy6647

per the above: I would never argue against an hk component (even modern ones).

Other thoughts (not necessarily useful, but thoughts nonetheless).

There's a low-end Yamaha receiver that has Bluetooth - but no phono preamp. Folks seem to like these. A decent budget phono preamp could still be added and remain under budget, methinks. I still like Yamaha stuff, as well (FWIW).
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RS202/Yamaha-R-S202.html?tp=47041



EDIT: Derp -- Nightfall already mentioned this one! Consider this a second of the motion, then!



There's an Onkyo with phono that's just 200 smackers (Crutchfield price). I know nothing 'bout this one, though.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_580TX8220/Onkyo-TX-8220.html?tp=47041

There are also cheap Sherwood receivers with phono inputs. I'll leave it at that

There are add-on Bluetooth thingies to retrofit some sort of Bluetooth capability onto an old (or simply non-BT) component. Again, that's about all I know about that, too!


https://www.parts-express.com/sure-electronics-battery-powered-bluetooth-wireless-audio-receiver-with-power-supply-black--320-355

tonyp063

There's an Onkyo with phono that's just 200 smackers (Crutchfield price). I know nothing 'bout this one, though.

I own a prior iteration of that receiver. I couldn't recommend it unless they've made *major* improvements to the phono section.
It's atrocious.

msg

Wow, lots of choices in this range, I'm surprised what you can get for 200 bucks!

In case you happen upon a receiver you like that doesn't have Bluetooth, you can add a third party device after. In my early days, I had a couple of these IOGEAR Bluetooth receivers for playing music from a tablet or mobile on receivers that didn't have Bluetooth. There are a bunch of different options out there for this. The TuneTap has both optical and 3.5mm to RCA outputs. I just dug one out recently because I'm playing around with ways to listen to podcasts.
IOGEAR TuneTap Wireless Receiver

mhardy6647

tonyp063 wrote: »

There's an Onkyo with phono that's just 200 smackers (Crutchfield price). I know nothing 'bout this one, though.

I own a prior iteration of that receiver. I couldn't recommend it unless they've made *major* improvements to the phono section.
It's atrocious.

There you go, a first-hand account. Thanks!

rburgess714

Wow. There are options, I think the HK would best the Yammy if I can find one though either would work for her. One requires a phono preamp and the other a wireless dongle or device.

Clipdat

$300 but.. tubes!
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=27222

mhardy6647

one is -- deeply -- skeptical of that gizmo... but, yeah, it does have a phono preamp (presumably solid state -- not quite enough small signal tubes unless gain is low, methinks) and it does have Bluetooth. And, to its credit, it does seem to be a push-pull EL84 stereo amplifier, good for about 10 wpc.

It just kind of bugs me that the front panel (and general cosmetic vibe) is identical to the infamous "Nobsound" hybrid (sold under a fistful of names) of a few years back.

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/monoprice-pure-tube-amp.803027/

deronb1

Yamaha R S303 on Amazon for $253

rburgess714

DSkip wrote: »

If you can find a unit with Bluetooth, it might just be worth it to buy her a newer turntable with built in phono. You'll likely need to invest some in that Sony.

As for speakers, I have some S15 and S20 for sale that might fit the bill.

The 15s could be an option. She is set on using the turntable but I want to avoid a rabbit hole at my expense.

rburgess714

deronb1 wrote: »

Yamaha R S303 on Amazon for $253

This unit is slightly above budget but checks all the boxes.