Rega RB300 Tone Arm/ good phono amp

Zitro
Zitro Posts: 864
edited February 2010 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
Hey guys. I am really looking forward to getting into vinyl, especially after being indoctrinated as to how much better vinyl sounds than cd by my girlfriends dad. Listening to CD, and then vinyl, on the exact same system, was like two completely different systems. I can't understand how some people say CD sounds just as good, or that CD is better because the convenience outweighs the loss in quality. No way; the difference in sonics is too great.

Anyways, my girlfriends dad is giving me his old TT for my birthday, and I can't wait! I already started collecting LP's, even though my birthday is not till May lol. But, I need to buy a phono amp and a Rega RB300 tone arm. If anyone is selling this tone arm or knows where I can get one cheap, please let me know! And of course, suggestions on a good budget phono amp are always welcome; of course, if you have one for sale let me know also! Thanks guys, I can't wait to have my own turntable!

- Jeremy
- Jeremy

Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
Post edited by Zitro on
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Hmm...what do you guys think?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/NAD-PP2-Phono-Preamp-MM-MC-1-Week-Old_W0QQitemZ220547123826QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3359a20a72#ht_1542wt_1165
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    There is also this I found..heard good things about Audio Technica, but this is so cheap, it makes me wonder...

    http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATPEQ3&Category_Code=C2D

    Sorry I'm being a pain lol, I just don't know much about this and am excited, so I want to research what's best so that when May 10 comes along, I'm ready for my new TT :D
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2010
    I like both of them.

    Audiogon would be a good place to look for your tonearm given your timeframe.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Damnit, someone else bought the NAD PP-2 before I woke up and could buy it...I was going to buy it this morning... :(

    Oh well, I guess I'll look for something else? Any suggestions guys?

    A Shure M97xE cartridge is on sale for $59 shipped on amazon right now; I've heard good things about these cartridges and think I'm going to pick one up today, unless someone knows of something better for the price.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited January 2010
    I reviewed this one and found it quite enjoyable.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91936
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    madmax wrote: »
    I reviewed this one and found it quite enjoyable.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91936
    madmax

    I've heard good things about MF. Thanks for the link, but I think that might be a little bit past my budget. I was hoping to get out with less than $100. I'll check the used ads though and see if I can find something in that price range for less than $100; buying new is not important to me.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • chef hans
    chef hans Posts: 25
    edited January 2010
    try Musichall pa 1.2
    here's the link http://www.musicdirect.com/product/84099
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    chef hans wrote: »
    try Musichall pa 1.2
    here's the link http://www.musicdirect.com/product/84099

    Do you know what Music Hall this is?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260543151474&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1182
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Anyone use the Cambridge Audio 540P phono preamp or know of it? I can get it for $70 shipped. Good deal?

    Here:
    http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/set_territory.php?TID=27&Redirect=/summary.php?PID=28
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited January 2010
    Nevermind, someone bought it....man, I must have done something to piss you guys off. 171 views, and 3 people have responded total. I know there are more people with knowledge of phono preamps than 3. Tough crowd.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited February 2010
    OK guys, I REALLY need your help here because I need to pull the trigger quickly to take advantage of either of these. I can get a NAD-PP2 very lightly used for $83 shipped, or a brand new Cambridge Audio 540P for $89 shipped. Price obviously is not a determining factor, and reviews seem to be favorable for both. I never have and cannot hear either. So, does anyone have experience with either one or have an idea of which would be better? Thanks, please respond quickly!
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • chef hans
    chef hans Posts: 25
    edited February 2010
    Sorry Zitro, that was it on ebay ! Another option is Bellari vp129, they go for around $ 150 used. Pro ject also have nice preamp. You can also check with www.needledoctor.com. I'm not to crazy with 540p or nad. check ebay on bellari, perhaps you'll find used one that fits in your budget
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    OK guys, I REALLY need your help here because I need to pull the trigger quickly to take advantage of either of these. I can get a NAD-PP2 very lightly used for $83 shipped, or a brand new Cambridge Audio 540P for $89 shipped. Price obviously is not a determining factor, and reviews seem to be favorable for both. I never have and cannot hear either. So, does anyone have experience with either one or have an idea of which would be better? Thanks, please respond quickly!

    I say Cambridge. Just 'cuz. ;)
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited February 2010
    concealer404 wrote: »
    I say Cambridge. Just 'cuz. ;)

    I've been leaning towards the Cambridge, too. Any reason for you, or is it really just cuz lol.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    Zitro wrote: »
    I've been leaning towards the Cambridge, too. Any reason for you, or is it really just cuz lol.

    It's really just 'cuz. And because i like Cambridge gear, never had any NAD stuff.

    But really? They're sub $100 pres. It's not going to matter that much. They're both established, respected companies. Which one is prettier? :p
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited February 2010
    concealer404 wrote: »
    It's really just 'cuz. And because i like Cambridge gear, never had any NAD stuff.

    But really? They're sub $100 pres. It's not going to matter that much. They're both established, respected companies. Which one is prettier? :p

    LOL, that goes to the Cambridge. See, I have only NAD stuff, so I'm trying to figure out whether to stay brand loyal or try something new. Reports of a lack of quality control with NAD's newer equipment is making me want to go Cambridge.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited February 2010
    Went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Cambridge :) Thanks to the 3 or 4 people that actually tried to help me lol.

    Concealer, if I don't like it I'm blaming you lol :p jk

    I can't wait to get into vinyl!
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    That's fine by me! I'm sure i've had more to be blamed for in the past than a sub $100 pre. ;)

    I dunno, on cheaper stuff like that, i tend to not think about it. Buy first, listen, then decide if you want it. I bought my amp without even listening to it ahead of time. Stuff that's cheap enough that it won't hurt if i don't like it, i just buy it.
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

    Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii

    Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999

    Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3

    HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000
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  • Zitro
    Zitro Posts: 864
    edited February 2010
    concealer404 wrote: »
    That's fine by me! I'm sure i've had more to be blamed for in the past than a sub $100 pre. ;)

    I dunno, on cheaper stuff like that, i tend to not think about it. Buy first, listen, then decide if you want it. I bought my amp without even listening to it ahead of time. Stuff that's cheap enough that it won't hurt if i don't like it, i just buy it.

    Must be nice; $100 for me is a lot of money right now lol. I'll let you know what I think once I get the vinyl rig set up, but that can't happen until I find this tonearm. Thinking I might try out a Shure M97XE cartridge with it to start out. All of these are things I can easily upgrade later.
    - Jeremy

    Amps: Jolida FX-10, NAD 3045, NAD C320BEE, Sansui G-9700
    Speakers: Polk Monitor 7A's, KEF Reference 104aB
    Sources: ProJect Debut Carbon, Sonos streaming FLAC
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