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Turntable PreAmplifiers

February 2nd, 2008

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Turntable PreAmplifiers

Can you help on integrated vs power amplifiers?

i do have some 8 ohm speakers. i would like to connect these to my PC's out. i know that integrated amplifiers (like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marantz-PM4001-Integrated-Amplifier/dp/B000PW0346 ) would work for this. however can i buy a power amplifier like this: http://www.reloopdj.com/product_info.php/info/p179_Reloop-Dominance-2000.html instead? (without using a preamplifier) i think preamplifiers are used for turntables and microphones and not necessary for this setup ?

It is not true that a preamp is only needed for mic and turntables. Besides providing tonal control and equalisation correction, a preamp also provides a matching signal level and output load for the power amplifier. Having separate units like this simply gives you more freedom to mix and match, for example you may like the facilities or tonal output of a particular preamp but want more (or less) power than its matching power amp. Because they are separate means you could go for another brand of power amp.

The power amp you suggest will have a matching preamp available, and the manufacturer has meant for them to be used together.

An integrated amplifier would be the way to go here for a PC output, given the choice between the two. However bear in mind that you just can't buy an amplifier and slap on just any speakers. If the speakers do not handle more power (in watts) that the amp puts out, they are no good and you risk frying that nice new amp. Ideally the amp should be rated (whether in watts rms, mpo or pmpo) at 80-90% of the speaker's handling capacity (measured in watts, the same as the amp - rms, mpo or pmpo).

High output power means nothing either. If you are using efficient, well matching speakers this more than compensates for having a zillion watts per channel. My entry level 100 watt Acoustic Solutions home theatre system is outclassing my previous 900 watt JVC system in all directions.

I have one more piece of advice for you. The amplifiers you are looking at are just regular stereo, 2 channel amps. Unless you are using huge floor standing speakers with bass ports neither of these amps will give you equal tonal quality to an average 3.1 system, which would have the advantages of a centre channel and better separation of lower frequencies by use of its sub bass unit. In my opinion this would be a much better solution, and probably much cheaper too.