Helping out a newbie

[kellymp]

I've been looking to put together a simple "all-analog" setup with just a Thorens turntable (with a Signet 3ea MM cartridge) > tube amp > Canton speakers.  What Bottlehead products would I need to fill in the "tube amp" section?  Would I need a phono preamp as well as an integrated amplifier to power the speakers or could I get away with one or the other?

Thanks all for the help.

[galyons]

\Welcome!

You need the following chain:

Cartridge => turntable => phono pre => preamp => amp => speakers

If you have enough system gain you can combine the preamp and amp as an integrated amp. The efficiency of the speakers will help determine what is needed in terms of power for the amp.

BH has great phono, preamp, amp and integrated amps kits.  You need to set your budget and amp power requirements.

Cheers,
Geary

[kellymp]

Thanks.  I'm not sure of the efficiency of the speakers since I just got them as a gift, I'll have to do some research.  I thought going in of a $1000 budget for everything, but I'm willing to expand that if needed.  Would something like a Reduction > S.E.X. 2.1 work?

[drewh1]

Post your speaker sensitivity and room size and you will get a better recommendation.  I use a stereomour in a medium size with 92 dB speakers and it sounds great.

[kellymp]

The speakers are Canton CT 800, which look to be 93.4db @ 4ohms in a medium sized room also.

[drewh1]

If you could stretch your budget - Reduction ->Stereomour!  you'll love it.

[Karl5150]

I used the SEX2.1 with the Reduction before the Stereomour II came along, and was very pleased with the sound. The addition of the Integration added the extra little bit of gain to drive 93dB speakers in a small/med room. What is the output of your cart? Every little bit will help with 2W/Ch on tap.

[kellymp]

I used the SEX2.1 with the Reduction before the Stereomour II came along, and was very pleased with the sound. The addition of the Integration added the extra little bit of gain to drive 93dB speakers in a small/med room. What is the output of your cart? Every little bit will help with 2W/Ch on tap.

It's hard to say on the cartridge.  Seems that Signet was taken over by Audio Technica in the 90's and since discontinued.  Information doesn't seem all that reliable.

I assume you're referring to adding Integration to the Reduction?

[kellymp]

I'm thinking a Stereomour is in my near future.  I can use my current phono preamp with that until I have rebuilt that equity with the wife to splurge again on the Reduction.