Loudogp250 Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 I recently purchased a Cambridge Audio Azur 551r to replace a Integra dtr 6.8. although the Cambridge lacks room correction home theater has been awesome. I hear details that were missing with the Integra. Since I have had such a great experience with Cambridge I am considering a Cambridge phono preamp, the 551p or 651p. My turntable is a Orbit by U-turn. Has anyone compared the 551p and the 651p? Any other suggestions in the same amp range? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted January 31, 2016 Share Posted January 31, 2016 They are basically the same pre amp, the only difference is the 651 has a switch for both MM/MC carts. I have been very happy with mine as they have no hum whatsoever and are extremely quiet. You can get a refurbed 551 for $99.00 with warranty, and a 651 for $169.00 refurbed with warranty. I am contemplating getting the 651 now as I am looking to try out different MC carts. I use 2 51's with my Dual 1229Q, Dual 701 turntables and use 4 different cartridges between them to play around with different music types and all play exceptionally well for the price range. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loudogp250 Posted January 31, 2016 Author Share Posted January 31, 2016 Thanks Jim. I replied to you PM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I too thought that the intergra lacks something with the phono input. I thought about trying a phono pre into one of the line ins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I too thought that the intergra lacks something with the phono input. I thought about trying a phono pre into one of the line ins. When I first got my table after getting back into vinyl, I was using my Yamaha RX-A2020 and felt it lacking, then I bought the phono pre and it opened up and sounded a lot better, then added in a tube amp, and it got even better. Now I run a separate 2 channel set up altogether from the AVR. You won't be disappointed in an external phono pre set up either way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I too thought that the intergra lacks something with the phono input. I thought about trying a phono pre into one of the line ins. When I first got my table after getting back into vinyl, I was using my Yamaha RX-A2020 and felt it lacking, then I bought the phono pre and it opened up and sounded a lot better, then added in a tube amp, and it got even better. Now I run a separate 2 channel set up altogether from the AVR. You won't be disappointed in an external phono pre set up either way. I do run a tt into my H.H. Scott, it sounds wonderful on its own. I used to use a the current table I use on the Integra on a tube pre amp and it sounded great. It seemed to be a mistake to give that up for the Integra, however I do need a home theater receiver. I was looking at the Firstwatt Pearl II. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Posted February 1, 2016 Share Posted February 1, 2016 I do run a tt into my H.H. Scott, it sounds wonderful on its own I was trying to get one, and it turned out to be more of a pain than it was worth for the wait time to get it redone, so I use a Yaqin MC-10L Integrated, Maynard's 7 WPC SEP, and a soon to be SET again. Depending on my mood for music and volumes or critical listening, I like switching back and forth on them. Now if I could find a Scott, Fisher, I'd do one of those. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loudogp250 Posted February 1, 2016 Author Share Posted February 1, 2016 I ran into that same issue. I wanted a HT avr that was 85% or so music and the rest for HT. Now that that's covered I need a good preamp. I will grab the Cambridge 551p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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