Amplifier For My Turntable + Home Cinema?

DarthTangYang

Member
May 21, 2023
2
1
5
42
Sweden
Hello!
I am just getting back into vinyl after a 25 year hiatus and am in desperate need of some good advice. I have just received my father's old equipment and realized the amplifier isn't working properly. It's an old "Technics SA-101 FM/AM Stereo Receiver" that he's been using as the amplifier for his turntable since the early 80's or late 70's. But its left output doesn't work so I will need to get a new amplifier of some kind and it got me thinking, perhaps I could get an amp that could also function as the surround sound system for my television? Or should I get a dedicated amplifier for just my turntable? And if so, what should I think about when looking for one? I'm not looking to spend a fortune on the amplifier but somewhere around $250, at the absolute most $300.

The turntable is a "Philips 777 Direct Control" which works somewhat. The automatic start doesn't work so I have to place the needle on a vinyl record manually. But other than that it seem to work well. I will probably buy a new turntable at some point but right now I need to get the system going and for that I first and foremost need an amplifier.
 

Another Johnson

VIP/Donor
Jan 13, 2022
945
1,082
275
Music City, USA aka Nashville
Since you mention that you would consider incorporating the TT into an HT based system, I would mention that many of the new AVRs with 5 or more channels to run surround sound also include MM phono stages.

But in my opinion your budget is too low for any solution. At that price point, just go to Best Buy or Electronics Express and get advice from their staff.

If you can up the budget to $400 - $500, you might get a Denon AVR with MM. I’ve got one in a small HT that I put together for my toddler grandson. He thinks it’s cool. I like it “for what it is.”
 

DarthTangYang

Member
May 21, 2023
2
1
5
42
Sweden
Since you mention that you would consider incorporating the TT into an HT based system, I would mention that many of the new AVRs with 5 or more channels to run surround sound also include MM phono stages.

But in my opinion your budget is too low for any solution. At that price point, just go to Best Buy or Electronics Express and get advice from their staff.

If you can up the budget to $400 - $500, you might get a Denon AVR with MM. I’ve got one in a small HT that I put together for my toddler grandson. He thinks it’s cool. I like it “for what it is.”
I ended up buying a used Denon AVR-2106, which has a phono input. I got it for $115 and that included a 5.1 speaker system, (Yamaha front, center & rear speakers) with a Jamo subwoofer. It sounds great.
 
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