Turntable Pre-Amps

[Steve w]

How much does a decent Pre-Amp for a turntable cost? I have a Classe CAP 151 amp, but it doesn't have a pre-amp for a turntable. It would cost $350 to get one installed inside the amp. Would an external pre-amp be cheaper and just as good? Any info is appreciated.

[Sckott]

$350 would be a simple way of doing it, but "good" audiophile phono pre's start at about $450 and work up.

You can get a less expensive NAD pre, outboard. Notoriously, spending less than $400 is a waste, IMHO. Believe me, I've been living with a cheap $130 pre for years. I built my own tube-oriented pre at around $500 and built it myself as a kit.

Do what works for you, but...

Oh, and what turntable are you working with? Inexpensive? Less than $140? Then go for an inexpensive pre.

[pigmode]

I hear what Sckott is saying but what about this?

http://www.audiocontrol.co.uk/Gram-Amp-2-SE.htm

[Steve w]

Thanks pigmode