ART DJ Pre II.

http://www.amazon.com/ART-II-Preamplifier-Output-Switchable/dp/B000AJR482

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/the-art-pro-audio-dj-pre-ii-preamp-the-best-preamp-bargain-out-there.310614/

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=393452

That said, you also might look at the TCC TC-754 since you are running powered speakers. It is a phono preamp (TC-750 circuit), audio switcher and volume control all in one

http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK

Mani for the gain switch adjustments on the bottom to better match your cartridge.

See Taking the Guesswork out of Phonostage Gain and KAB PHONO PREAMP PARAMETER COMPUTER.

CA oddly only has a balance adjustment.

More options with adjustable gain:

• Hagerman Audio Labs Bugle3 $189. Has switches to select various Gain and Loading options.
  
• Emotiva XPS-1 $199. User select-able termination impedance for Moving Coil cartridges.
  
• Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono $299 Match preamp settings to your cartridge to get the best possible sound, variable input impedance and adjustable gain, switchable mono mode and subsonic noise filter.
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box S $449 $299. Switchable input impedance/capacitance settings and three adjustable gain levels. Switchable subsonic filter
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 $399 Five variable input impedance settings are available to adjust to any MM cartridge.
  
• Pro-Ject Tube Box DS $699 $399. Switchable input impedance/capacitance and gain level settings for better cartridge and system matching.
  
• DSP: Puffin Phono DSP $449.

$3 - $4k will get you an awesome setup.

I've gone through this process many times. I've had more speakers and amps that I can keep track of. I've heard a lot of the stuff out there in this price range. So hopefully I can help you out. I would, however, like to let you know that you should try to find a dealer and listen there. That will most likely be your best bet. I can tell you all about speakers all day and tell you what my favorites are, but if they get there and you don't like them, then that doesn't mean they aren't good, it just means that they aren't for you. There's no way to know in advance.

So, let's start with some basics. You said you like bass. That means you'll want a sub. Even tower speakers won't do what you want in terms of bass. A lot of people think that towers make tons of bass compared to bookshelves, but that really isn't the case. Here, let's do some examples with some of my favorite brands: Bowers and Wilkins as well as KEF.

We can do B&W first. They have a 600 series, 700 series, and 800 series. The higher, the better. In those series, there are different speakers. 707, 706, 705... The smaller the last number, the bigger the speaker. the 707 are small bookshelves, while the 702 are large towers.

Let's say we have a budget of $2000. In the 600 series, you could get a pair of towers for $1800. These go down to 48hz. There's a good chance you'd want a sub with that. I definitely would.

Now, what if we jump up to the 700 series, which will give us better sound? We've actually got two options for the price.

First, we could get a pair of 706 bookshelves. They're also $1800. They go down to 50hz. That's 2hz different than the towers. You'd still want a subwoofer.

Another option would be to get a pair of 707 bookshelf speakers. They're $1200, which leaves you with and extra $600 for a nice subwoofer. So, in the end, these would give you the best full-range sound when compared to the towers or the bigger bookshelves.

-----------------------------

Let's take a look at KEF.

KEF has the Q series, which is the 'budget' series, and the R series, which is a step up from that.

These are KEF Q series towers. They're $1800. They get down to 44hz. Pretty low, but I'd still want a subwoofer.

These are the R series bookshelves. They are $2000 and only go down to 52hz, but that doesn't matter, since you were going to buy a subwoofer for something that goes to 44hz anyways. So you'd get better sound from these than the towers.

----------------------------

Basically, with towers in this price range, you're paying for loudness rather than extension. However, once you climb up in price, towers become stand alone, and don't require subwoofers. But at your price range, that isn't usually the case.

Anyways, you said that you want them for your living room. I don't know what size it is, but usually towers are better for a living room than bookshelves since they can get louder easier, and if you're watching TV/Movies, loudness is pretty important.

So, let's talk about the setup.

First things first: turntable. I have a Rega Planar 2 and it works great. The Rega Planar 1 should be pretty similar. It should work great. I used mine with a NAD PP 2e for a while until I got an amp with a phono integrated. It worked great. I have a lot of Schiit stuff and I like it all so one from Schiit would probably be great as well.

That leaves us with a bit over $3000 for amp, speakers, and a sub. Ideally 2 subs, but probably not. We'll see.

A Yamaha Integrated amp would be great. It has an integrated DAC so you can use it with your TV much easier. It also has 100wpc, which is plenty.

A Marantz could be good as well, but no integrated DAC. I have Marantz and I like it, but I use it with an external DAC. Here's one of those for you. Either amp will work well. The Marantz has 40wpc, which isn't as much as the Yamaha. I would probably go with the Yamaha, but that's just me. Also the Yamaha comes in silver, which looks pretty awesome in my opinion.

Now we've got about $2600 left. I would personally cut it up like this: ~$2000 for speakers, ~$500 for a sub, and then save up for a second sub. We'll get to that later.

Speakers in the $2000 range are good. I'll give you some of my favorites.

Quad S-5. I've heard the S-4 and the S-2, and they're both phenomenal for price to performance. I have a pair of Quad Z-3. I spent months listening to different stuff, some stuff that was thousands of dollars more. I like the Quads better than the B&W 600, 700, and 800 series. I like them more than Martin Logan. I like them more than KEF. etc. The Z series is just the next step up from the S series. That being said, the S series is still some of the best. I'm actually going to swap the LS50s on my desk out for a pair of S-2 bookshelves. They're that good. They have a great ribbon tweeter, that gives you all of the detail you could want but none of the fatigue. Multiple smaller drivers means clean and punchy bass. Not a ton of extension, but you've got a sub, so that doesn't matter. Vocals are absolutely fantastic on them. They're just all around a very clean and great speaker. They sound good quiet and loud, which isn't that easy for a lot of speakers to do. Anyways, they're hard to find. I ended up ordering mine through tenacious sound. If you call you'll talk to a guy named Frank. He seems pretty knowledgeable on a lot of stuff. I'm not sure what they'll have in stock, but they'll be able to order them for you since they're a Quad dealer. Also, they have weird hours. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Super weird hours but I've never had a problem getting in touch when I need to order anything. Anyways, these Quads would be my first choice. That being said, if you feel like extending your budget, the Z-3 would be better. Larger ribbon tweeter to make the highs just a bit cleaner, better drivers to make everything just a bit faster, and a larger cabinet to add more bass extension. Either of those would be my pick.

Next, we can look at B&W. Unfortunately, if you want a sub, this will be tough. I'm not a huge fan of the 600 series. They aren't the best price to performance in my opinion. The cheapest 700 series tower is the rest of your budget, and doesn't go down very low (48hz) so you'd want to add a sub, but you wouldn't have the budget for that. Let's talk about it anyways. The 700 series are a bit warmer of a speaker. The bass is a bit boosted and the treble is a bit laid back, but they have a metal tweeter so even though it is just a tad laid back, you still get great detail. As I said, B&W is one of my favorite brands. It's not for these though. It's for their flagship 700 series as well as the 800 D3. Those are both very good. Unfortunately, they're both quite outside of your price range. I think the 600 series could work for you, but there are better options for the same price.

KEF R700 would be fantastic. They are all around great performers. They're a tad on the bright side, but they do it well. They have some of the best imaging I've heard, which makes them a joy to listen to. KEF is also one of my favorite brands. I've got a few pairs and they're all really fun. These are a fantastic price as well. $1700 each originally down to $1100 each is nice. They just came out with a new line which is why these are so cheap. I like KEF a lot, so you really can't go wrong with these.

I really like the Ascend Acoustics Sierra. I haven't heard the tower version of them but I assume it is very similar. They have a soft dome tweeter, which makes them a bit easier to listen to. You can get a ribbon if you want that awesome detail and transparency like the Quads have. Anyways, the Sierras have really good bass. Clean and tight. The bookshelves sound great at all volumes. What these do really well is midrange. The midrange is extremely sweet and musical. Voices are fun, and instruments in that range sound textured and beautiful. The bass guitar in "My Melancholy Blues" by Queen sounds really nice. It's like a real bass guitar is right there in the room with you. Loads of fun.

In that price range? The one I'd buy if it were me personally, would be this one: Puffin Preamp - about $400US.

there are a few choices though most are hybrid tube amps

https://www.amazon.com/xDuoo-TA-01-192KHz-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00L25RF78/

https://www.amazon.com/SMSL-T1-Optical-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B06WP6357W/

https://www.amazon.com/Aune-T1-Generation-Amplifier-Decoder/dp/B00A2QJMRY/

https://www.amazon.com/Pangea-Audio-Tube-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00TA7CNQ8/

If you have an optical or coax out put then you could get a really cheap DAC and feed a tube amp like the Little Dot 2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EKVKLOY/

This one is a little cheaper, you just have to experiment with what volume setting matches line level (doesn't amplify or cut signal)

https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/B000ZZINTK/

Right the RT82 doesn't have a built in phonostage. The R81 does but it lacks the upgraded cartridge and speed controlled motor. I thought you might like Fluance since it's a Canadian company. it also has auto stop which I like since I get into projects while music is playing and can't always get up when the disc is done spinning. So I have passive speakers (Wharfedale Diamond 220) hooked into a receiver that does not have a phonostage (Denon AVRS540BT). Due to this fact I needed a preamp and chose this: (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07LFN5QNV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1) over the $70 Fluance amp because it had gain control. All together I am up and running for less than $700 and have a setup that I would consider "budget audiophile" although some may consider it mid grade consumer level. What are you running for speakers?

Either the Emotiva Control Freak or this preamp will help with controlling the Behringer. There should be no side effect just make sure you run the source as high as you can instead of trying to amplify a whisper.

https://www.amazon.com/STEREO-LINE-PRE-AMPLIFIER-15DB-12VDC/dp/B00I01ZNUS/ref=sr_1_54?ie=UTF8&qid=1549491339&sr=8-54&keywords=stereo+preamp

I don't believe there will be an audible difference, personally, but I won't argue the point. There are definitely other options with better build quality and brand reputation.

The Onkyo A-9010 is a very popular integrated amp that lands squarely in your desired feature set:

https://smile.amazon.com/Onkyo-A-9010-Integrated-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B00SY20TE8/

A better preamp might be this OSD model:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MPYJLPX/

And a better amplifier might be the Emotiva A-150:

https://smile.amazon.com/Emotiva-Audio-Stereo-Power-Amplifier/dp/B06XSCCVV1/

http://www.amazon.com/NAD-PP-2e-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B00IFMM7TC/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413475919&sr=1-1&keywords=nad+phono+preamp

Try that also.

So if you’re doing a tube hybrid amp and then a phono preamp, why not just get a regular amp and then a tube preamp?


Nobsound Little Bear T7 Vacumn Tube Mini Phono Stage RIAA MM Turntable Preamp & HiFi Tube Pre-Amplifier (Silver) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UGWU9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zvh0Db58HSG1F

I use one of these with the recommended tube upgrade. The cool thing is it can switch between a phono and just a regular preamp. I currently have a chromecast audio feeding into it and it adds a fun “smooth” distortion.


Riverstone Audio - Tested/Matched Pair (2 Tubes) 7-Pin GE JAN 5654W Fully-Tested Vacuum Tubes - Upgrade for 6AK5 / 6J1 / 6J1P / EF95 - GE 5654W Platinum Grade Pair https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BFJDTW0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zwh0DbE7NE76J


Still less combined than the project phono and then you can save money on a different amp or better speakers

That SX-780 is a sweetheart. I am surprised you had struggles with it. The SX-x50 line up is debatibly better but I own both and have not heard much of a difference. I am currently using a SX-1250 (also own a 1280). Both recapped/diodes/transistors/etc etc replaced with high quality Nichicon, Wima, and Kemet caps. The difference is amazing.

If you were struggling with imaging/soundstage can be worked with in the pre-amp. Not sure if you can defeat the preamp in the 780 but you should be able to zero it out at least. At that point you could go tube pre-amp and really have some fun.

While budget I have something like this that I combine with the preamp on the 1250 (run in line with the aux input). Not necessary but really added a bit of warmth to the sound. I'd give that 780 another shot. After the 80 series it turned into black plastic crap minus a few choice pieces. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBM5CTN/

Good preamp:

https://www.amazon.com/NAD-PP-2e-Phono-Preamplifier/dp/B00IFMM7TC/

Suggest a good turntable/stylus as well if you want good quality.

The Starter set just includes volume control, cables, and isolation pads if you're putting the speakers right on your desk. It's definitely not necessary, just an easy all in one package.

Advantage of volume control is self explanatory, windows volume control isn't always perfect and having something physical to control volume is simply nicer. There's a lot of products that can do this, some with more features than others. I'll link a couple in different prices brackets.

• PAC - $10
  
• Volbox - $20
  
• Nobsound - $40
  
• JBL (Standalone) - $60
  
  Really up to you on how much you want to spend. Prices deltas are mostly due to build quality. If you have your eye on one let me know and I can tell you what cables you'll need, as each one will have a different set.

It's called douk audio mini 6j1 $54

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01EKVKLOY/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1511417661&sr=8-11&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=tube+preamp

But it looks like there's a number of others that look exactly the same. Don't know if they are though...

So I've been in the market for a new Phono Pre Amp and I saw some great reviews of the Little Bear RIAA Preamp and decided to pull the trigger along with buying new bulbs . When I got it all setup properly I turned it on and put on a record and it sounds completely muffled and not that loud. I unplugged everything and even made sure it was grounded, but I still couldn't fix it.

Are there any recommendations on what I should do?

Here's my setup -
Table: Pro-Ject Audio Debut Carbon DC Esprit SB
Cartridge: 2M Red
Pre Amp: Little Bear RIAA T7
Receiver: Yamaha R-S202BL
Speakers: Klipsch RP-280F

Thanks. Is this the pre your looking at?

Is that considered better or are you recommending it because it's cheaper?

I'm assuming you're talking about this one?

could be your phone, fam.

i had an android phone that absolutely was the quietest little thing ever.

turned all the way to the max, and every receiver i plugged it into it was still quiet.

it could be an impedance issue? i don't know.

a DAC isn't going to help you, if you're using the 3.5mm jack on your phone though, because that's already sending analog.

you could probably get good use from a bluetooth dongle for your amp though.

https://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Adapter-Streaming-Wireless-Speakers/dp/B016NUTG5K/

or get a pre-amp for more money

https://www.amazon.com/GOgroove-Preamplifier-Connection-Equalization-Adapter/dp/B07JHBFGYS/

I would suggest this

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DKHM2HS/?coliid=I3GD0ZKNROW7XP&colid=12JK9HWNEL73Y&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Below $300?

Well somebody is going suggest you don't need a sub just yet and suggest the JBL LSR305's. So let's get that out of the way.

My go to suggestions keep evolving as newer gear comes out. Currently I'd say:

1. BIC DV62SI for speakers. Well reviewed, but for some reason not many professional reviews. I have no idea why. I'd also suggest the Fluance SX6, because I have a pair and like them, but a well respected reviewer didn't, so take it for what it's worth. They need a little time to open up, but I've found them quite nice for their price, with a tweeter that can run hot but be tamed. Another popular choice is the Pioneer BS22, which IMO is too muted in the highs. It's all dependent on the listener, but they are often on sale under $100.
   
   https://www.parts-express.com/bic-venturi-dv62si--6-1-2-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-pair--303-402
   
   
2. Monoprice 12" Subwoofer. It's $99. There are better subs out there, but in at least one blind test it beat out pretty much anything in the under $200 category. For the price, it seems to be one of the better subs you can get.
   
   https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090602&p_id=9723&seq=1&format=2
   
   
3. Don't laugh...NobSound Mini 50x50 BT amp. This thing looks like a joke. But I just got one on a lark and found out it's honestly capable of driving many different speakers at pretty decent levels. It's not going to make your ears bleed, but it can get fairly loud for a small room. It also functions as a decent headphone amp, has BT, accepts mini USB in, and all for THIRTY DOLLARS. It actually comes with a power supply and a bunch of connection cords as well.
   
   Edit: I got the updated version which does NOT have a 3.5mm out. It can't function as a headphone amp.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Bluetooth-Amplifier-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B06Y67PZB1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1509502947&sr=8-3&keywords=nobsound+mini
   
   I'll also add in the Nobsound Tube Preamp for a decent preamp with tubes and tone controls. Nothing fancy, but it's cheap and a good conversation piece.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Vacuum-Preamplifier-Digital-Control/dp/B01NBM5CTN/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1509054033&sr=8-6&keywords=tube+preamp
   
   After that just add some speaker wire and you're golden.
   
   
   

I am looking to choose the best budget pre-amp of these 3 (or similar suggestion) for my vinyl setup:

1. Music hall PA 1.2 phono pre-amp
   
2. ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier
   
3. Fosi Audio P1 Tube Pre-amp
   
   I currently have the Music Hall PA 1.2 (came with the TT) but I'm open to selling it and buying a cheaper, better pre-amp. Not particularly impressed with the power or sound, and the blue light is blinding. Glad it came with the TT and wasn't purchased separately on my own dime.
   
   

   SETUP:
   

   
   TT: Debut Carbon Esprit SB (DC) w/ Ortofon Red
   Receiver: Yamaha RX-V379 (no built in pre-amp)
   Towers: Klipsch RP-280F x2
   Center: Klipsch R-52C
   Surrounds: Klipsch R-14S x2
   Sub: Klipsch R-150 SPL 15"

I've got that same Onkyo unit plugged into this: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/aune-x1-pro-dac and I love it! The X1 is a pretty decent DAC, and I use it like a pre-amp for my 282. It's nice to have the volume knob accessible (I keep it beside my bed) and the larger headphone output.

Into the line-in of the X1 I plugged in one of these: http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK and have a record player and bluetooth adapter plugged in. I leave the audio knob at max for the tc-754 and just control it through the X1.

All in all, I think it's a great setup made from some fairly budget components to make a highly functional system.

Took a quick look in the users manual, and it looks like the tape out jacks will not output audio coming from Digital inputs. Try using one of the RCA inputs on the rear of the unit, I imagine everything will start working correctly. To get proper sound through the EQ for your PS4, you'll need a DAC to convert the PS4 optical to RCA. Fiio makes an excellent unit for the money ($20 bucks), worked like a charm in my setup. Link below:

FiiO D3 (D03K) Digital to Analog Audio Converter

As for the turntable, you'll need a phono pre-amp. This will connect between your turntable, and the receiver. As the receiver does not have a phono stage, the pre-amp is required to both boost the signal from the the turntable as well as applying the RIAA EQ (Wiki link if you're interested) required to make it sound correct. The only one I have ever used and can vouch for was an NAD unit, but there are cheaper options available as well.

NAD PP 2e Phono Preamplifier

Maybe a pre-amp and amplifier is more appropriate for those speakers? Don't be afraid of budget Pro audio/DJ stuff it has good reviews. Receivers tend to not be suitable for demanding speakers unless they are very expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/Rockville-PPA20-Professional-Pre-Amplifier-Crossover/dp/B0732PQSQN/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549578817&sr=8-2&keywords=rockville+preamp

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B004HJ1TTQ/ref=sr_1_9?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1549578876&sr=1-9&keywords=Phono+preamp

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/gemini-xga-4000-power-amplifier

If you only have $300.00 and you want new this is basically what you can get, a powerful integrated will run you at least 500-600.00.

You'd be at a whole new level of excellence. You may have to upgrade your speakers just to get the full benefit! I don't know about those though, Polk makes some interesting stuff, I'm listening to Polks now (RTA 11t). I'd imagine if you're avoiding the premap removal that you'd rather just get something that's not a whole lot of fuckin' with. I usually recommend the LittleBear but it's some assembly required, and a little tinkering if you really wanna get the most out of it. I'm sure somebody can recommend a high end solid state pre amp that works really well.

look into Bellari Audio (a Rolls company)

• https://www.amazon.com/Bellari-VP130-Preamplifier-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B002TD4GME/
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Bellari-VP549-Phono-Preamp/dp/B07DHXPTF7/
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PSLTIC/
  

Hmmm- maybe a slight gain boost out of amp and into sub via this item- I have and it’s solid- Stereo LINE PRE-Amplifier, 15DB, 12VDC.

Or running two cables out of speakers? Lose the crossover on sub option but maybe better sound from speakers.

As I said- my wharfedale Denton’s were entirely new speakers when I added some juice- which at first was only an onkyo 100/wpc m-282 amp that I scored for $100 +/-

I have a Cambridge CP1 and it's exceptional at $180. I believe they call it the Solo now. Amazon Link

I have the TCC TC-754 and it sounds wonderful!
http://www.amazon.com/TC-754-BLACK-Phono-Preamplifier-Switchable/dp/B000ZZINTK

They also make a smaller version of this is you do not need the additional aux inputs.

I don't have an audiophile system, but I'm attentive to sound. I bought the Bellari Tube and the Art Phono Plus at the same time - and returned the Bellari. The Phono plus adds a few extra features and switches, but to my ears sounds respectable. Can't speak about the Phono Box E.

Rega is pretty nice.

Art DJ Pre is another good option in that price range

For a little more Cambridge makes excellent equipment as well.

If you just want a passive attenuator, Little Bear makes this for a great deal and switchable functionality

> just use the tubes for looks anyways.

oh really? well shit.


How about this

https://www.amazon.com/Douk-Audio-Vacuum-Pre-Amplifier-Stereo/dp/B01EKVKLOY/ref=zg_bs_689995011_12?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4JBTP5JJX949TCASTSE3

with a tube upgrade, would it be good?

Roger that. So PC to DAC via USB. DAC to AMP via RCA. AMP to SUB high level input via speaker cable. SUB high level output to Miccas via speaker cable. Do I have the correct? Nothing else needed?

Can I still add this tube pre-amp in between the DAC and AMP to allow bass and treble control?

The cheapest way to test out a time preamp is to pickup the FX Audio Tube-01 with the recommended upgrade tubes:

https://www.amazon.com/FX-Audio-TUBE-01-Preamplifier-TUBE-01S-SL/dp/B07DVXVZ51/ref=mp_s_a_1_5

That may provide enough gain for your phono. If you want to get a dedicated tube phono preamp, the little bear t10 and t11 have a lot of fans:
https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Little-Turntable-Preamplifier-Pre-Amplifier/dp/B06XCM9NKV/ref=mp_s_a_1_2

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/l7qKiFlA

I picked up a a tube preamp out of curiosity, and it definitely adds a "flavor" to the sound by particular forms of distortion from the specific tube you have plugged in. If you like the flavor then it's good, but if you aren't a fan then it's just some funny distortion. A tube that adds very little distortion sounds like a good solid state preamp ( that costs a lot less!)

I wouldn't spend a lot of money on the tube preamp itself - a lot of the sound flavoring comes from the tubes you plug in. So a big part of having a tube amp is finding the tubes you like. Sometimes the amp itself is kind of crappy and adds noise ( despite the price). The tube-01 with a better power brick is supposedly equal to a lot of more expansive units.

Damn, if you in that price range, get a Bellari tube preamp

https://www.amazon.com/Bellari-VP530-Phono-Preamp-Output/dp/B002PSLTIC/

These are the ones I was looking at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EKVKLOY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E2nNzb8WPSEM9

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071NPGWJC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_c4nNzb0G23BWQ

The speakers I'd be getting are active speakers and be cartridge on the TT is the ortofon 2m red

You are in tech support, post in the purchase help thread. I replied to you earlier about the allocation of funds they should have (no more than $750 for turntable).

Also, tube amps are too expensive, and result in less accurate sound. Thy look cool, but they only thing they are good for is the mid-bass boost they give to ported speakers.

If they want a tube phono preamp, that’s not as bad, and not as expensive, there are a lot of cheap ones, but this for $220 ain’t bad (works with MM only, not MC).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07255VHZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_sGz0DbF4TVAVG

Should do the trick. I have o e and it just does volume control with no effect on the audio. Totally transparent.

Phono preamps don't usually have a volume control. They bump the output of the turntable up to line level and correct the equalization, but any volume control is done via the amplifier.

If you look at something like this you'll see it has a specific set gain for MM vs MC cartridges, which can't be changed.

yeah, I was looking at this as a potential solution as well:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I01ZNUS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A21C4U5X700J66&psc=1

Maybe I'll break out the multimeter tomorrow and see what the output voltage on the sub channel looks like.

Yeah, it works great with my setup really gives my bass more depth.

Turntable > solid state phono stage > passive tube amp > active speakers (heos 7 hs2).

This is /budgetaudiophile right? But seriously I had a little bear too and it crapped out on me as well. This one is highly rated and I suggest it with upgraded tubes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBM5CTN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ignore the whole "not for turntables" thats what the solid state preamp is for the passive is just for further control of your sound stage.

>Thanks for your response! Now I know that I'll need both a phono pre and a headphone amp for this setup. Those Schitt units look good, but I was reading some reviews online indicating problems with RF interference with the Schitt Mani, and I live just downhill from a major tv/radio/cell tower. I e-mailed Schitt asking about this problem so we'll see what they say. The Jotunheim looks really good for when I'm ready to upgrade. Do you have any experience with the Fluance PA10? I can't really find many reviews online for it.
>
>Given that I'm using these cheapo speakers (which I'm also using for my computer audio), I'm thinking of just getting a GOgroove Pro phono preamp (link) to replace the DJPREII. Feature-wise it has everything I need and it's $50. Also, If I want to upgrade it's nice to have another cheap phono pre in a pinch. I figure if I'm using cheap speakers, cheap headphones, and a cheapish cart (om10), I can deal with a cheap phono preamp. This setup should give me something to compare against when I start spending more money to upgrade.
>
>Do you know of any other combo phono preamp / headphone amps that are around $100 or less? I'm trying to keep this whole setup cheap for the time being...give it a year or so and I'll start upgrading.

I think you should add a preamplfier like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Fosi-Audio-Pre-Amplifier-Pre-amp-Control/dp/B07GXBF5JS