Posted: 2/10/2015 5:37:53 PM EDT
|
Someone gave me an old turntable. It is a Technics SL-QD2, with an AT DR200E cartridge. The unit has no internal preamp. I don't have any sort of receiver, let alone one with a phono-in, and RIAA EQ. Since I have a small project recording studio in my house, I tend to listen to all of my audio through my recording setup. Because of this, the monitors / speakers I have are all either XLR, TRS, or optical-in. My audio gear is much the same, save for one old device that accepts RCA. I have a friend with that same legacy recording device with the RCA-in. He has his turntable hooked up to it, but his turntable also has a built-in preamp, with the appropriate EQ curve.
I would like to be able to not only listen to this turntable, but archive some records for family members. As such, I need, at least, some sort of preamp, or a receiver with an appropriate phono-in. I don't know if it is feasible, but at some point, I would like to try setting up an audio system into which I might incorporate my television, since I have been using the crappy on-board speakers (I'm not particularly concerned about surround, though). As far as price goes, I don't have anything particular in mind. Nor do I have a time-frame in mind. I have no problem piecing things together over time. I'm not a crazy audiophile, though, so esoteric, low-watt, high efficiency tube amps aren't necessary. I do appreciate accurate reproduction, though. Given the above information, what would you suggest I do? I realize that the turntable isn't high-end, by any means. Would I be best served with a dedicated preamp? Is there a modern receiver that would accept both digital, with an appropriate phono section? Should I ditch the thing, and get something with a built-in pre? Also, if any of you vinyl guys have any suggestions on other forums I might post this question, please let me know. |
|
I'd think an inexpensive preamp or receiver will work fine for you.
This is a good audio-video forum http://www.avsforum.com/forum/index.php |
|
Quoted:
Someone gave me an old turntable. It is a Technics SL-QD2, with an AT DR200E cartridge. The unit has no internal preamp. I don't have any sort of receiver, let alone one with a phono-in, and RIAA EQ. Since I have a small project recording studio in my house, I tend to listen to all of my audio through my recording setup. Because of this, the monitors / speakers I have are all either XLR, TRS, or optical-in. My audio gear is much the same, save for one old device that accepts RCA. I have a friend with that same legacy recording device with the RCA-in. He has his turntable hooked up to it, but his turntable also has a built-in preamp, with the appropriate EQ curve. I would like to be able to not only listen to this turntable, but archive some records for family members. As such, I need, at least, some sort of preamp, or a receiver with an appropriate phono-in. I don't know if it is feasible, but at some point, I would like to try setting up an audio system into which I might incorporate my television, since I have been using the crappy on-board speakers (I'm not particularly concerned about surround, though). As far as price goes, I don't have anything particular in mind. Nor do I have a time-frame in mind. I have no problem piecing things together over time. I'm not a crazy audiophile, though, so esoteric, low-watt, high efficiency tube amps aren't necessary. I do appreciate accurate reproduction, though. Given the above information, what would you suggest I do? I realize that the turntable isn't high-end, by any means. Would I be best served with a dedicated preamp? Is there a modern receiver that would accept both digital, with an appropriate phono section? Should I ditch the thing, and get something with a built-in pre? Also, if any of you vinyl guys have any suggestions on other forums I might post this question, please let me know. I've been a Bored member and moderator at audioasylum.com and we have a rather large vinyl forum over there. I'm over 50 and never got rid of my albums in high school, so I'm a vinyl fan. I have stand alone tube phono stage (Sonic Frontiers Phone 1 SE) and I've other, less expensive SS phono stages in the past. If you think that NFA guns are expensive, even without going batty, HiFi is exponentially more expensive, so tread lightly. You've got the basics down: You need an RIAA Eq. circuit from somewhere. You can buy something like a $99.99 Crosley TT with a built in Eq. that uses two RCA analogue outputs, but then you'd need a receiver of some sort, to act as a preamp/amp combo. I have an Alesis MasterLink 9600 studio CDR recorder and I can just run my preamp OUTs into that and regulate gain, when I'm digitizing my LPs (this makes me want to vomit,) so it's easy as pie, but you're short of a lot of things. They sell USB TTs where you should be able to hook something up to an AVR with USB inputs and then route that to a CD burner. I'm old school so TT>phonostage>preamp>amp>speakers. With the MasterLink and a Sony SACD player thrown in for all of my silver coasters. Chris |
|
Thanks for the replies.
I'll check out those audio forums, and see what they have to say. Maybe I'll be able to score some cheap used gear. ChrisGarrett: I'm well aware of the insane lengths audiophiles go! One of my co-workers has a setup that cost close to $200,000. He is still looking for ways to upgrade. Also, although I'm more familiar with the pro-audio side of music, even that gets costly, fast. I'm mixing in the box (all software, with no console), and even my simple 8-channel setup is already north of $12000. That doesn't include mics. If I want to add outboard EQ and dynamics, I'm looking at another $2000 per channel. I don't even know what the current prices are for decent mixing surfaces. As for USB turntables, I'm a little wary. I never had luck with all-in-one electronics of any type. Plus, the converters I use in my recording setup are undoubtedly superior to any on-board conversion in the USB tables. I already have some pretty powerful editing software, so I just need to get the table between -10 and +4 dBu, and I can record no problem. I even have a few EQ plug-ins with RIAA curves, so I could adjust it after the fact, if needed (obviously not a solution for standalone playback). Subnet: I'm definitely going to try to keep it simple. It usually never works out that way, for me, but I'm going to try my damnedest. That is one of the reasons I was thinking of getting a stand-alone preamp. I figured I could rig it up to work with what I currently have, and if (when) I got the itch to expand or upgrade, I could still use it with anything that took line-in. I will admit that Behringer always sends up a red-flag in my head. I know a lot of people like their PA and mixer stuff for FOH stuff, but in the music-instrument world, they have gotten a bit of a bad reputation for quality and durability. It also doesn't help that they were famous for copying circuits and designs from other companies, and then undercutting them immensely with Asian manufacturing and sourcing. That's a whole different topic, though. SamAdams1776: I know a couple of people who have scored some decent gear from second-hand stores. The ones in my area are pretty sketchy, though. I'll have to drop by some of the suburban locations to see what I can find. |
| Interesting, I'm dealing with the same thing right now. I have a pretty decent selection of records, and picked up a Technics player some time ago. Never could get it to work with my receiver, so I kind of forgot about it until a couple weeks ago. Found out I needed a phono preamp, and the signal (the way I understand it) isn't powerful enough to be picked up by newer receivers. Now, you can find an older receiver with a "phono" input, but I simply ordered a preamp off eBay for $20. If it works out like I hope, I'm going to pick up another record player from a local shop. Its a Sony, and seems to be a little more "high tech" than my Technics. |
|
Quoted:
Someone gave me an old turntable. It is a Technics SL-QD2, with an AT DR200E cartridge. The unit has no internal preamp. I don't have any sort of receiver, let alone one with a phono-in, and RIAA EQ. Since I have a small project recording studio in my house, I tend to listen to all of my audio through my recording setup. Because of this, the monitors / speakers I have are all either XLR, TRS, or optical-in. My audio gear is much the same, save for one old device that accepts RCA. I have a friend with that same legacy recording device with the RCA-in. He has his turntable hooked up to it, but his turntable also has a built-in preamp, with the appropriate EQ curve. I would like to be able to not only listen to this turntable, but archive some records for family members. As such, I need, at least, some sort of preamp, or a receiver with an appropriate phono-in. I don't know if it is feasible, but at some point, I would like to try setting up an audio system into which I might incorporate my television, since I have been using the crappy on-board speakers (I'm not particularly concerned about surround, though). As far as price goes, I don't have anything particular in mind. Nor do I have a time-frame in mind. I have no problem piecing things together over time. I'm not a crazy audiophile, though, so esoteric, low-watt, high efficiency tube amps aren't necessary. I do appreciate accurate reproduction, though. Given the above information, what would you suggest I do? I realize that the turntable isn't high-end, by any means. Would I be best served with a dedicated preamp? Is there a modern receiver that would accept both digital, with an appropriate phono section? Should I ditch the thing, and get something with a built-in pre? Also, if any of you vinyl guys have any suggestions on other forums I might post this question, please let me know. Would one of these work, OP: 
I gave my brother my Technics LT-TT some years ago, along with my old DaveCo preamp, and with the preamp inline, and connected to his computer with an RCA-USB (I believe) patch-cord, he archived a lot of vinyl. |
|
Quoted:
Interesting, I'm dealing with the same thing right now. I have a pretty decent selection of records, and picked up a Technics player some time ago. Never could get it to work with my receiver, so I kind of forgot about it until a couple weeks ago. Found out I needed a phono preamp, and the signal (the way I understand it) isn't powerful enough to be picked up by newer receivers. Now, you can find an older receiver with a "phono" input, but I simply ordered a preamp off eBay for $20. If it works out like I hope, I'm going to pick up another record player from a local shop. Its a Sony, and seems to be a little more "high tech" than my Technics. Synchronicity! 
Which model turntable, and cartridge do you have? Mine used to belong to my deceased uncle. I've never actually heard it, so I have no idea what the quality will be like. I have a ton of old records that I have inherited over the years, too. I don't even know what some of them are, as they are bring-backs from when my father was in the Navy in the late 50s. So, I have had these records sitting around forever, and a turntable sitting around for a couple of years now. Much like you, I kind of forgot about it for quite some time. Story of my life! I'm also curious about building my own preamp. I have found some schematics, but I am extremely rusty. Maybe in the future. |
|
Quoted:
Would one of these work, OP: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jjYoEZP4L._SY355_.jpg I gave my brother my Technics LT-TT some years ago, along with my old DaveCo preamp, and with the preamp inline, and connected to his computer with an RCA-USB (I believe) patch-cord, he archived a lot of vinyl. Most likely. I have to do more research regarding matching preamp to cartridge type. Some preamps only work well with one, or the other of the two major types of cartridge (moving magnet, or moving coil). |
|
Quoted:
Most likely. I have to do more research regarding matching preamp to cartridge type. Some preamps only work well with one, or the other of the two major types of cartridge (moving magnet, or moving coil). Quoted:
Quoted:
Would one of these work, OP: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jjYoEZP4L._SY355_.jpg I gave my brother my Technics LT-TT some years ago, along with my old DaveCo preamp, and with the preamp inline, and connected to his computer with an RCA-USB (I believe) patch-cord, he archived a lot of vinyl. Most likely. I have to do more research regarding matching preamp to cartridge type. Some preamps only work well with one, or the other of the two major types of cartridge (moving magnet, or moving coil). Right, gotcha. The good news is that it's not an expensive option if you can make it work. That B/M preamp is available on eBay for $19.99. I can't aim you in the right direction for patch-cords, however. Sorry! 
|
|
Quoted:
Not sure about the model, have to check when I get home. I think it was pretty decent by record player standards of the time, but it has to be at least 20 years old. Cartridge?? The cartridge is the housing at the end of the tonearm that holds the stylus (needle). My turntable has an Audio Technica cartridge, which is fairly inexpensive. It should have something printed on it. |
|
Quoted:
No worries! My friend is a recording engineer, so he has all sorts of cabling and connectors. I usually just have him make my cables. Quoted:
Quoted:
I can't aim you in the right direction for patch-cords, however. Sorry! No worries! My friend is a recording engineer, so he has all sorts of cabling and connectors. I usually just have him make my cables. Holy shit, that must be a handy friend to have! |
|
Quoted:
This was recorded through a dirt cheap Behringer Phono->USB preamp. Like <$30 cheap. It's a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable, with an Ortofon 2M red cartridge ('bout $400 new). Don't overthink it. 
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hK9FM1eFqYQuoted:
This was recorded through a dirt cheap Behringer Phono->USB preamp. Like <$30 cheap. It's a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable, with an Ortofon 2M red cartridge ('bout $400 new). Don't overthink it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hK9FM1eFqYhey subnet, occasionally someone will post something that takes me to a different time/place/mental state. in this case your Dire Straits recording reminded me of a formative/difficult relationship in college. i know every word on that album yet i haven't listened to it in years. i also know that i would probably have done something different if i knew then what i know now. 20/20 hindsight is painful as hell. good times.
in response you get Donald Fagen -- a true fucking stickler when it came to audio engineering on his (and S-D's) albums. the music sounds fresh now, 20 years later, and will still sound fresh in 20 more years. i had the Nightfly on vinyl and the album cover is a peek into the rich jazz/rock behind it. I'm Lester the Nightfly Hello Baton Rouge Won't you turn your radio down Respect the seven second delay we use So you say there's a race Of men in the trees You're for tough legislation Thanks for calling I wait all night for calls like these An independent station WJAZ With jazz and conversation From the foot of Mt. Belzoni Sweet music Tonight the night is mine Late line till the sun comes through the skylight I've got plenty of java And Chesterfield Kings But I feel like crying I wish I had a heart like ice Heart like ice If you want your honey To look super swell You must spring for that little blue jar Patton's Kiss And Tell Kiss And Tell An independent station WJAZ With jazz and conversation From the foot of Mt. Belzoni Sweet music Tonight the night is mine Late line till the sun comes through the skylight You'd never believe it But once there was a time When love was in my life I sometimes wonder What happened to that flame The answer's still the same It was you you it was you Tonight you're still on my mind An independent station WJAZ With jazz and conversation From the foot of Mt. Belzoni Sweet music Tonight the night is mine Late line till the sun comes through the skylight ar-jedi 
|
|
Quoted:
Most likely. I have to do more research regarding matching preamp to cartridge type. Some preamps only work well with one, or the other of the two major types of cartridge (moving magnet, or moving coil). Quoted:
Quoted:
Would one of these work, OP: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jjYoEZP4L._SY355_.jpg I gave my brother my Technics LT-TT some years ago, along with my old DaveCo preamp, and with the preamp inline, and connected to his computer with an RCA-USB (I believe) patch-cord, he archived a lot of vinyl. Most likely. I have to do more research regarding matching preamp to cartridge type. Some preamps only work well with one, or the other of the two major types of cartridge (moving magnet, or moving coil). Moving magnet type carts have a higher output voltage, say 2mV and above, whereas moving coil carts have <1.0mV and some even down to .15mV. For these one needs a phonostage with a higher gain, say above 55dB and preferably >60dB, or use something like a step-up transformer that boosts the voltage so your PS can provide enough gain/volume. Then we get into impedance matching and that's a whole 'nother ballgame. Moving magnets are getting pretty good these days and they can be 'almost' the equal of MC carts, but I'm starting to get down to nuance and unless you're spending some coin, stick with moving magnets. I once mounted one of these, back when they listed for $7,500 and I was sweating bullets, lol: 
Clearaudio GoldFinger Here's a site that you can peruse: NeedleDoctor Chris |
|
Quoted:
Subnet: I'm definitely going to try to keep it simple. It usually never works out that way, for me, but I'm going to try my damnedest. That is one of the reasons I was thinking of getting a stand-alone preamp. I figured I could rig it up to work with what I currently have, and if (when) I got the itch to expand or upgrade, I could still use it with anything that took line-in. I will admit that Behringer always sends up a red-flag in my head. I know a lot of people like their PA and mixer stuff for FOH stuff, but in the music-instrument world, they have gotten a bit of a bad reputation for quality and durability. It also doesn't help that they were famous for copying circuits and designs from other companies, and then undercutting them immensely with Asian manufacturing and sourcing. That's a whole different topic, though. Just listen to it. And don't over think it.
Here's another:
|
|
Quoted:
Holy shit, that must be a handy friend to have! Sometimes. He gets in his moods, and you don't hear from him for a while. Plus, anytime I ask him about upgrades to my gear, I end up spending more than I planned. Subnet I'm trying not to over-think. I swear! At least, I think I'm not... I'll keep an eye out for a cheaper receiver. If I don't see anything around in the next couple of weeks, I'll probably just pick up a cheap pre, like the one Sub suggested. I'm sure I'll end up collecting gear down the road. I can't help it. For now, I'm going to try to keep it simple. Thanks again for the advice, guys. |
|
Memories of a Thorens TD-125 with Shure V15 type III fed to a MacIntosh integrated amp and a pair of JBL 4311 Studio Monitors. This was mid 70's when I was working at an Army base in Italy selling stereos to GI's, my part time HS job. I could get anything dirt-cheap. Thorens, Revox, McIntosh, Phase Linear, Crown, Harman-Kardon, Klipsh, JBL, AR, plus all the jap stuff like Pioneer, Sansui, etc.
I sold that rig to pay for my college, and would give my left nut for it back and all my vinyl I sold to wax 'n facts in little 5 points. Sigh. I have monster gear and a home studio now, but I do miss that sweet rig. OP, as already posted, you need a phono preamp with RIAA and line outs, then you can use any receiver. My Yamaha actually has phono inputs, guess I'll dust off that old Technics I have and see if it works. My daughter is harassing me weekly to give to her, guess I'll let her have it, and I still have about 100 vinyls, mostly rock from the 70s and 80s. |