|
|
Post by littlesicily on Dec 30, 2013 8:49:06 GMT -6
I haven't had a turntable in decades and was going to buy one. I always remember hooking it up via RCA's to a "receiver" or a hi-fi amp. Is it ok to just hookup to a pair of VP28's using my JDI DI's or even my instrument IN's of my Avid HD OMNI? I'd like to be able to play thru my Proac's in my studio.
Or do I need a more specific amp for the turntable?
|
|
|
|
Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 10:31:11 GMT -6
No, a phono stage is mainly RIAA EQ--HUGE eq curve/tilt. Record has very little low end and boosted highs...the stage boosts via low shelf and cuts highs.
|
|
|
|
Post by littlesicily on Dec 30, 2013 11:46:28 GMT -6
No, a phono stage is mainly RIAA EQ--HUGE eq curve/tilt. Record has very little low end and boosted highs...the stage boosts via low shelf and cuts highs. Sorry I asked 2 questions and I'm not sure which you answered. "No"... don't use VP28's or "no" I don't need a special phono pre? |
|
|
|
Post by svart on Dec 30, 2013 12:39:30 GMT -6
It depends on where the RIAA filters are. If they are in the turntable itself, then I would bet the output is designed for "line out" impedance, which depending on the design, won't be able to drive the transformer input of the VP28. A "DI" input usually has a very high impedance which wouldn't load a "line out" impedance enough and you might have response issues.
On the other hand, if the turntable doesn't have the filter installed, it probably doesn't have a line driver either and is looking for a device with a super high impedance input and an RIAA filter..
Either case, I don't think the VP28 is the right device for the job.
Now the "instrument INs" on your Avid likely DO have the right impedance for a "line out" from a turntable that has the RIAA filter built in. Give that a try.
|
|
|
|
Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 13:12:27 GMT -6
Sorry--no you can't use a mic preamp.
A "phono preamp" is a combination impedance conversion, gain preamp, AND HEAVY handed equalizer.
Any turntable with a built in preamp is worthless, IME. However, OLD phono stages in receivers are fine. Not as good as NICE standalone preamps...but, perfectly useable. The built ins will simply allow you to play a record functionally.
|
|
|
|
Post by littlesicily on Dec 30, 2013 15:29:47 GMT -6
svart and popmann... thanks...I'm starting to get it  I've got a cheap Sony receiver I could use but I'm guessing it's not gonna sound very good. Do you guys or anyone else have any recommendations for a decent turntable and phono preamp or receiver? I'm not wanting to spend big money on this but something of value... $500>.
Lastly, I would then just go from the output of my phono preamp to my Bryston/Proacs?
|
|
|
|
Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 18:48:41 GMT -6
I don't. The only inexpensive one I ever used wasn't as good as my old HK discrete receiver...YMMV. I'm honestly not a fan of vinyl really. I've made an honest effort these past couple years...buying new and vintage pieces...with it's resurgence. But, at the end of the day, I will never choose it over SACD or high rez PCM with the master being the same.
I've heard some $2500 tables/pres that bested the CD....redbook. Ironically, where I heard it, they had no ability to play SACD or DVD-Audio on the same system! Way too rich for such a lossy and expensive platform for me. New vinyl is going for $22-30 an album...and is really limited quantities, so if you miss the window, your only chance is paying speculators on ebay. Absurd. I wanted the new Chris Robison...options? Pay speculators on Ebay hundreds for the set...or pay $40 for the MP3s from Amazon. I've got other stuff to listen to, Chris...love ya, man, but...you picked the two worst formats and charge an arm and a leg for'em?
To answer your tech question--the output a preamp is line level audio. However you'd handle a CD player. The difference is, it will output a level more similar to pre loudness wars CDs...NOT modern ones. If you're gonna compare, get an analog (or 32bit digital) attenuation for the PCM to match levels. It's NOT the same to turn the amp volume up and down because they HIT the amp at different levels--that where the discrepancy is...and least here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Guitar on Dec 30, 2013 20:05:04 GMT -6
I love vinyl!
My digital system is about to get upgraded, there will be a shootout at that point, Friday, with a new DAC.
I recommend the BHL (Boozehound Labs) phono preamp. You have to build it yourself but I think it's less than $100. Competes with far more expensive units, and to me sounds really amazing. I love those paper in oil caps. I'm a believer in this circuit, in fact it's my favorite thing to listen to most of the time. Vinyl can sound really raw and organic, realistic in a way. My turntable isn't even that great, some cheap old Technics thing. Still produces amazing sounds.
Or you can use my stripboard layout at dantonewac.blogspot.com and build it a little cheaper than buying the kit, source your own parts.
|
|
|
|
Post by winetree on Dec 30, 2013 20:27:43 GMT -6
Just get a phono preamp. I've been using a recapped Realistic phono preamp for over 30 years.
It provides the RIAA needed curve, but puts out unbalanced -10, .775 volts.
I just run the output into a line-in on my console or in your case the line in on your VP28's
and boost gain get to +4, 1.25 volts balanced line level.
|
|
|
|
Post by popmann on Dec 30, 2013 20:59:45 GMT -6
DIY can't be compared on cost.
I remember once having a discussion with dan Kennedy about how you build a world class preamp for $50 or less-and less per channel with a shared PS-if you weren't concerned with being able to get the parts in quantity...put it into an ugly tin box...didn't count labor into the cost...or the 40-50% retail markup...
I admire those who will take such things on. But, one can't compare DIY with retail on price.
|
|
|
|
Post by Guitar on Dec 30, 2013 21:06:10 GMT -6
It's true! I don't work nearly enough to buy retail, minimum advertised price pro audio products, so along with my low budget and tinkery, technical nature, and ample free time, DIY is very right for me.
The BHL phono kit is a pretty simple DIY experience, by the way. I would bet on a high rate of success, it's a very simple circuit. Simpler than some overdrive guitar pedals even.
|
|
