Turntable PreAmplifier Is there a big difference between a really cheap "phone preamplifier" and "amplifier" for a turntable set-up?
I realise speakers and the turntable itself make a significant difference, but what about the other bits?
The only electrical component in the turntable (or phonograph) is the cartridge, and this is essentially a microphone that outputs a very low level signal. Compared to a CD player, this signal is too minute to directly drive the input to an amplifier, so you typically need a preamp. You might have noticed that if you accidentally connect the CD player to the "phono" input on a hi-fi system, it sounds distorted and loud.
When you say "turntable setup" today, it's usually assumed that you're talking about a DJ rig, since turntables are pretty exotic for home audio nowadays, so if you have a DJ mixer it will have two phono preamps built in.
If your phono preamp has a "ceramic/magnetic" switch on it, chances are you want to use it in "magnetic," unless you've got a really really old turntable.
High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A preamplifier (preamp), or control amp in some parts of the world, is an electronic amplifier which precedes another amplifier to prepare an electronic signal for further amplification or processing. The preamplifier circuitry may or may not be housed as a separate component. In general, the function of a preamp is to amplify a lowlevel signal to linelevel. A list of common lowlevel signal sources would include a pickup, microphone, turntable or other transducer. Equalization and tone control may also be applied. In a home audio system, the term preamplifier may sometimes be used to describe equipment which merely switches between different line level sources and applies a volume control, so that no actual amplification may be involved. In an audio system, the second amplifier is typically a power amplifier (power amp). Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Tennoe, Mariam T./ Henssonow, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 120 Publication Date: 2010/09/07 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.28 inches
The Pyle Pro PP999 Phono Preamplifier is a compact device that allows you to connect a turntable to a standard line input on a receiver amplifier mixer etc. The PP999 features RCA inputs and outputs and includes the 12VDC power adapter. Connect turntables to line level inputs on receivers. Compact and easy to install. Includes power supply. Impedance Load Impedance: 10k Ohms. Power Reference Voltage: 1V. Sensitivity Input Sensitivity / Impedance PHONO 3mV / 50k Ohms. Distortion T.H.D.: 0.08 for 1kHz 3mV Input. Output Level: 2V. Signal to Noise Ratio S/N Ratio (with AWTD): 70dB. Frequency Response Frequency Response: 20Hz 20KHz +/ 2dB. Dimensions: 3.54 W x 2.13 H x 1.02 D.
The Pro-Ject Phono Box turntable preamplifier is designed to connect turntables to receivers. With simplicity of design and premium components, the Pro-Ject Phone Box's performance outweighs both its size and its price. The turntable preamp easily switches between MM and MC cartridges using internal jumpers. Dual mono design. Class A components and low-noise integrated circuits throughout the entire circuit path.Turntable preamp designed to connect tables to receivers without a phono preampCombines simplicity of design and premium componentsEasily switches between MM and MC using internal jumpersDual mono designClass A componentsLow-noise integrated circuitry throughout
- Ion vinyl archiving turntable- Turn your records into MP3s using your Mac or PC- Play records on your home stereo without needing a preamplifier- Plug-and-play USB computer connection requires no driver installation- 33 1/3 and 45 RPM settings- Enables
if You've Been Dreaming of Recording All Your Old Records Onto Your Computer, Then to CD - Here's The Device to Connect to Your Turntable. The Vp130 Provides Not Only The Required Riaa Equalization to Properly Re-equalize The Material From The Record, it Does so Utilizing The Naturally Warming And Musical Charactaristics of Tube Circuitry. [VP130] UPC: 675889013016 13.9L x 8.6W x 4H 2.55 LB
33.33rpm 45rpm Enables you to transfer 78 RPM albums using included software EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter software quickly transfers your music to iTunes Play records on your home stereo without needing a preamplifier Turn your records into MP3s using your Mac or PC PROFILE LP Record Turntable Software Media The PROFILE series of LP-conversion systems is designed with contemporary, low-profile looks and is finished in sleek, piano black. Each model is designed to capture the music from your vinyl records and turn it into portable, flexible, digital MP3s that you can enjoy at home and on the go. Ion Audio Ion Audio, LLC PROFILE PROFILE LP PROFILE LP Record Turntable Record Turntable USB www.ion-audio.com
Use the Pro-Ject Debut III USB Turntable to transfer your treasured vinyl records to any digital file format with audiophile sound quality. Pro-Ject's legendary Debut III turntable is now available in a design for the digital age. Fitted with an onboard moving magnet phono preamplifier, A/D converter, and USB output, this remarkable turntable can digitalize analog signals to record direct to your computer via a USB interface and suitable music recording software. The Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable's dual-mono low-noise preamplifier circuitry, accurate RIAA equalization and the exceptional performance of the Debut III tonearm/phono cartridge and drive mechanism ensure high fidelity audio reproduction. The Debut III USB turntable is a music lover's dream that lets you enjoy your favorite records via portable digital playback, computer network, or server based media systems.TurntableSilent running AC motor with 2-step metal pulley drives the hub and platter via a flat-ground beltThe medium density fiber plinth uses 4 shock absorbing feetDrive motor is decoupled from the plinth to reduce vibration transmissionNearly 3lb. sheet-steel sandwiched platter provides excellent speed stability and protects records with a felt matPrecision chrome-plated stainless-steel axle couples the platter to a polished ball bearing in a brass housing for low resistance and ultra-quiet rotationAn external power supply reduces the chance of electro-mechanical interferenceTonearmBoth the 8.6" tonearm and fixed headshell are constructed from a single piece of aluminum for superior rigidity and low resonanceInverted horizontal bearings consist of 2 hardened stainless-steel points resting on sapphire pads for outstanding tonearm stability and tracking capabilityFlexible counterweight shaft avoids undesirable vibrations from occurringAdjustment of needle azimuth is easily accomplished by a single-screw adjustmentInternal tonearm wiring is of high-purity copper and terminated directly to gold-plated sockets at both the headshell and phono jacks for low-noise signal transmissionA supplied 3.5mm jack can be used to connect the Pro-Ject Debut III Phono USB to any line level/auxiliary input such as a computer, MIDI system, mixer, etc.DustcoverFinish: Matte black only
Use the Pro-Ject Debut III USB Turntable to transfer your treasured vinyl records to any digital file format with audiophile sound quality. Pro-Ject's legendary Debut III turntable is now available in a design for the digital age. Fitted with an onboard moving magnet phono preamplifier, A/D converter, and USB output, this remarkable turntable can digitalize analog signals to record direct to your computer via a USB interface and suitable music recording software. The Pro-Ject Debut III Turntable's dual-mono low-noise preamplifier circuitry, accurate RIAA equalization and the exceptional performance of the Debut III tonearm/phono cartridge and drive mechanism ensure high fidelity audio reproduction. The Debut III USB turntable is a music lover's dream that lets you enjoy your favorite records via portable digital playback, computer network, or server based media systems.TurntableSilent running AC motor with 2-step metal pulley drives the hub and platter via a flat-ground beltThe medium density fiber plinth uses 4 shock absorbing feetDrive motor is decoupled from the plinth to reduce vibration transmissionNearly 3lb. sheet-steel sandwiched platter provides excellent speed stability and protects records with a felt matPrecision chrome-plated stainless-steel axle couples the platter to a polished ball bearing in a brass housing for low resistance and ultra-quiet rotationAn external power supply reduces the chance of electro-mechanical interferenceTonearmBoth the 8.6" tonearm and fixed headshell are constructed from a single piece of aluminum for superior rigidity and low resonanceInverted horizontal bearings consist of 2 hardened stainless-steel points resting on sapphire pads for outstanding tonearm stability and tracking capabilityFlexible counterweight shaft avoids undesirable vibrations from occurringAdjustment of needle azimuth is easily accomplished by a single-screw adjustmentInternal tonearm wiring is of high-purity copper and terminated directly to gold-plated sockets at both the headshell and phono jacks for low-noise signal transmissionA supplied 3.5mm jack can be used to connect the Pro-Ject Debut III Phono USB to any line level/auxiliary input such as a computer, MIDI system, mixer, etc.DustcoverFinish: Matte black only
What percentage of your budget should you invest in each audio component?
I am thinking of spending around $2 - 3k for a stereo audio setup. from what i understand the best components for this would be 1) turntable (im definitely going vinyl) 2) integrated amplifier 3)speakers.
Personally i was thinking 500 on turntable 500 on amp and 1k on speakers. Is this a good proportion? I have seen some people have 5k in amplifiers and preamplifiers and only have $800 dollar speakers. Where should i attribute my funds?
Hello Andrew NIce to hear your going analog good for you. As far as budgeting, you'll hear a majority of people tell you to invest a greater amount of your budget on the speakers and less on electronics. I can tell you from years of experience designing some of the very finest in hi-end audio video system in most cases I have found this to not be true. Let me give you some analogy's as to why.
First the old saying that your system is only as good as your weakest link is true.
Also the ultimate goal is to achieve a system that reproduces the tonality of instruments and vocals, and have the detail to be convincing your listening to the artist perform in your living room.
System one: Best speakers in the world driven by modest electronics. Granted it may have a full range sound, but the quality of bass and over tonality of the instruments will not be convincing of real music. The system will lack detail and will not be involving and lack the emotional connection to the artist.
System two: The best front in electronics with modest speakers. This system will be surprisingly involving dynamic, it can have wonderful tonality if properly matched to the speakers. It can have a incredible sound-stage if setup right. This system can be very involving and will surprise many how musical it is.
The key is that speakers can only reproduce what they are given, the detail comes from the electronics driving them. Now Im not saying that speakers are not important and in some cases there probably will be a trade off in low bass extension to get a speaker in the lower price point. but I can guarantee in the long run you will be much more satisfied giving up the low bass for the detail and musicality of the system. Also many people would be surprised how good some modest price speakers will sound with good electronics. in fact many people don't give some speakers a chance when in reality they are not hearing a short coming in the speakers but rather its the front end (electronics).
One of the best systems Ive heard to date was a system with $30k in electonics with a $800 pair of speakers. It was incredibly detailed, very musical, and one of the best soundstages Ive ever heard.
Sure they were mini monitors and didn't have low bass extension but was well worth the trade off.
For those that really know hi-fi many will tell you spend more on the front end and less on the speakers this will get you closer to a system that will be more involving and musical.
Yes integrated is the first step in getting closer to higher quality sound, but that does mean in most cases your giving up surround sound.
So in your budget Integrated Amplifier is you best choice. Choose speakers carefully for the room and placement you'll be using them in. Speaker placement is the single most important aspect in getting good sound so get some advise on how to properly place speakers. Or email me I will be happy to give you a detailed explanation.
Turntables ! ahhh a place close to my heart. A reasonably good turntable can get a little pricey, don't spend your money on a cheap turntable you will be find yourself very quickly getting rid of it and wanting to upgrade. If your really going to get into analog you'll want to spend at least $700 to a grand. Keep in mind what you'll need to play vinyl. You need a turntable with a tonearm, a phono cartridge, and a phono stage. You must have a phono stage which amplifies the signal coming from the cartridge and then it goes through a RIAA curve which re-equalizes the signal on the records. All records are recorded with this RIAA curve because the phono cartridge is unable to track uncompressed low bass information and also because the bass frequency's would take up more room on the record so you would have less music on each side of a album.
Some integrated amplifers may have built in phono stages so yet again that will help you significantly in a budget system, but keep in mind it may not be of the highest quality as the phono stage makes a big difference in the quality of sound and detail.
Heres a great in expensive turntable combination. For the money buy a REGA turntable these are by far the best inexpensive turntables in the industry and will compete very well with significantly more expensive turntables. The key though is these are none suspended turntables and require a good stand, or wall mount shelf to eliminate vibration to get back to the turntable. Honestly that is a requirement for all good turntables. There are however some really great sounding inexpensive phono cartridges so that will help you save some money in the beginning. Phono cartridges and phono stages do get significantly better as the price goes up but so this is a area you can upgrade later as your able to. Also its important to match the phono cartridge to the tonearms mass. Ran out of room email me and will send you my complete responce lol hmmmisthatright@yahoo.com
Turntable PreAmplifier
March 3rd, 2009
Posted in Stanton Turntable | 
Tags: audio, electronics, hifi, preamp, turntable, turntable preamplifier