Looking for an amp to pair with a Technics SL-1200 mk5

[word_a_mowf]

Hey gang,

 

I recently got my hands on a mint condition Mk5 for a ridiculously low price.

 

I already have a set up in one of my rooms, so for the lounge room, I will be using the Technics and now looking to get either a pre-amp and a power amp, or an integrated amp to go with it. And then of course some speakers.

 

Edit: Someone has mentioned that I NEED a pre-amp for the 1200. Is that correct?

 

I'd like to keep it 'era relative' if POSSIBLE and get something to compliment the deck.

Budget is around $1000. However, vintage gear or something newish, not too fussed.

 

Don't laugh, but one thing I DO want is the (pre) amplifier to be silver.

 

I'll then get some nice speakers to match.

 

Any help, much appreciated!

Edited February 15 by word_a_mowf

[Darryl]

Hi Word.

 

You don't need a preamp.

 

They may have been referring to a phono amp, which you'll need to connect the turntable to.

 

Simply put, turntable cartridges have very low outputs and need an extra phono amp to boost the signal to CD level.

 

Some integrated or preamps will have a phono amp built into them. Look for a phono input and a grounding post on the back to be sure.

 

You can also get stand alone phono amps that can connect between the Technics and whatever integrated or preamp you choose. 

 

So in short, you can choose:

Integrated amp with phono input built in

Integrated amp without phono input used with a stand alone phono amp

Preamp with a phono input built in and a power amp

Preamp without a phono input used with a stand alone phono amp and a power amp

 

For $1000 or so you're probably better off with an integrated.

If you choose a separate phono amp the go to for a few hundred dollars is the iFi phono. Recommended by many

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/collections/ifi-audio/products/ifi-zen-phono-3-mc-mm-phono-stage

 

There's often the V2 version for sale on here for half that.

 

 

Edited February 15 by Darryl

[word_a_mowf]

Legend, thank you.

 

As an example, I currently have a Rega Planar plugged directly into a Yamaha A-S301.

 

I am assuming Technics can do the same?

[Darryl]

Correct.

If the Technics has a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge though you'll need to make sure the phono input can handle that.

It will probably be Moving Magnet (MM) though.

[word_a_mowf]

Thanks again legend.

 

I am yet to purchase the head shell and a new cartridge but I was thinking the standard Technics headshell and a AT cartridge or go for an all in one with an Ortofone Concord.

[Darryl]

That's a whole can of worms there!!!

 

There's any number of cartridges and even headshells that you can buy.

 

With an AT cartridge you can upgrade the stylus (needle) quite easily if you wish down the track. Not sure how the Concord is in that regard.

The ATV95ML is quite well regarded around here.

[word_a_mowf]

Haha yeah I'm pretty sure the Concord is an all in one and therefore no replaceable parts.

 

Otherwise Technics hardshell and different cartridge.