Getting a turntable to work :)

[Numpsy13]

Hello people,

Newbie here... I've been wanting to slowly start building a decent sound set at home, for both tv and music. Unfortunately I decided to start with the most difficult, I think. I bought a turntable (Sony PSLX300USB)!!

I thought I could just buy an amp and connect all the components to it but now that I've started digging into it, it all seems quite confusing and I have no clue what to buy next!

So, what I want to connect is:
- the turntable
- smart tv
- ps4
- floor speakers yamaha ns-f150
- cd player component (yet to be bought)

Besides, what is the actual difference between an amp and a stereo receiver? Can I get digital audio out of it?

And no I do not want to waste a small fortune I'd say something around Euro 300/350

Thanks for the help,
B

 

[markw]

First off, do you really want a two channel receiver? That's what stereo means. If you want a multi-channel unit, you should be looking at audio/visual receivers.

The fact that you say you want digital facilities means you'll probably need an AVR. Most stereo u its don't offer that facility

An amp simply amplifies the signal. They need a preamp/processor before that to direct the signal properly.

now, for the basics: your turntable has line level outputs when you use it's internal preamp. Use tose and feed it into a line level input on your unit.

A CD player will usually plug into another line level input although some offer a digital output.

Make sure whatever TV you buy has audio outputs. These can be either digital, analog, or none at all. Choose wisely.

dunno about the game console. That's beyond my generations abilities. It could be either analog or digital. Check your manual. 's

See what receivers are available where you are with the input and output facilities you need and get back to us. we'll advise from there.

Speaking of which, where are you? It's hard to make recommendations when we have no idea where you are. It's a big world and not everything is available everywhere..

 

[3db]

A receiver is basically a radio tuner, preamp and amp rolled into one. An integrated amp contains the pre-amp and amp sections (same as the receiver minus the radio tuner) and an amp is just an amp. An Amp will need a pre-amp. All your source components such as the turntable, cd player, PS4 and Smart TV will plug into the preamp of section of the receiver or integrated amp. The output of the amp section is connected to your speakers. The amp is the power stage, the preamp is the input stage.

There are two flavors of receiver... stereo receiver and Audio-Video receiver (AVR). The stereo receiver is for audio only and only has two channels. The AVR has audio multiple audio channels for surround sound and has the ability to route video signals and up convert them to a higher resolution from video sources such as BluRay and PS4 player to your display.

The question you want to ask yourself is deciding if the receiver will be used strictly for audio or do you think you will used as part of home theater system later on? If it sthe latter, its still cheaper going through the AVR route.

 

[Numpsy13]

Hey there Mark,

I'm in Portugal. And yes, there might be some things I won't be able to get here (like the new Blackberry!!! GRRRR) ahahah, but most I can get it online through amazon or the likes.

Well, that helped a LOT! Now I know, I want an AVR. Both the TV and speakers I own already, so the only thing I'm needing is the AVR at the moment. And yes, I want to get digital audio out of it. I know that the PS4 and the TV have digital output. So I shouldn't have any problems with that. My other question is: I've read that to connect the turntable I need a phono input...and I don't think most of AVR's have this input...but that I can buy a 'converter'. Although this specific turntable has an USB connection so, I guess I can connect it via this way...right? If not, what are these converters and, can you recomend one?

Sorry for all the questions, and again, thank you for the help.
B

 

[Numpsy13]

Hey 3db,

ok, AVR is settled then (I think). Any specific one, or brand? Not too expensive, for a small house (everything is small in Portugal). Just as a recomendation, as I will have to see what's available around here.

Thanks
B

 

[markw]

That turntable has a built in phono preamp so you can feed it directly into any line level/aux input on any receiver.. Check your manual to verify it's settings.

As far as brands, I'd stick to the major brands such as Denon, Yamaha, Marantz and the like. Just make sure it's got all the inputs and outputs you need. Power is less of an issue than "they" would have you believe.

Oh, leave room in your budget for a subwoofer.

 

[3db]

+1 on Markw's recommendations on AVRs.

 

[KEW]

Tell us what AVR's are available in your price range in Portugal and what the price is and we can tell you which are good and which to avoid and if one is an especially a good deal compared to the others.
Generally, there is not a huge difference among the ones Mark listed (which is what you should be considering). Pioneer makes competent AVR's as well, so include them.