Need for phono (turntable) preamp for amplification and RIAA de emphasis

[TLS Guy]

This is a recurring question and I'm taking the liberty of bouncing this question into the correct forum.

I am in the market for a phono player. I took an old technics sl-b200-xa and connected that to my yamaha rxv 2500's phono plugs (do not get sound using v-aux etc. plug-in's). The sound is not good at all and there is this an
interference noise on my speakers even when nothing is playing (phono still selected on rxv 2500). Even when I select pure direct on rxv 2500 and the sound is going from the technics through the rxv 2500 to the plinius p10 and then to the jamo e855's, the noise is still there on the speakers.
Now I am a bit put off from buying a phono player.

Please advise

A turntable has a low output. You need a phono preamp to increase the level to line level, and also to correct for the RIAA recording curve. LPs were recorded with an HF pre emphasis according to the RIAA curve. De emphasis needs to applied on playback. You need one of these.

http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Phono-Preamps?range=51,63,63

 

[majorloser]

The original thread was well over a month old.

This question doesn't come up very often, but thanks for trying to help.

 

[TLS Guy]

The original thread was well over a month old.

This question doesn't come up very often, but thanks for trying to help.

It's the third time I've answered that question.

 

[gus6464]

I recently ordered a Bellari vp129 myself for $208 shipped. But at that price range you have a lot of good choices.

Rolls Bellari vp129
Parasound Zphono
Cambridge Audio 640P
Creek OBH-18
Rotel RQ-970

 

[dobyblue]

Can I get a little more clarification?

On the TX-SR805 Onkyo it has Phono inputs and a ground.
The specs state it is for an MM input 2.5mV/47kΩ
s/n = 80dB

I'm hooking up a Goldring GR-1.2 (pretty much the same as a Rega P2)

Two questions:

1) How much difference will I notice using a $100 Phono preamplifier in sound
2) I presume that I don't NEED one if the Phono inputs matches the specs stated right?

The turntable I'm getting for CDN$359 which is a great price, MSRP is $499.
Do I really need to spend $100 on a preamp for a $400 turntable and $600 receiver?

Honest opinions appreciated.

 

[TLS Guy]

Can I get a little more clarification?

On the TX-SR805 Onkyo it has Phono inputs and a ground.
The specs state it is for an MM input 2.5mV/47kΩ
s/n = 80dB

I'm hooking up a Goldring GR-1.2 (pretty much the same as a Rega P2)

Two questions:

1) How much difference will I notice using a $100 Phono preamplifier in sound
2) I presume that I don't NEED one if the Phono inputs matches the specs stated right?

The turntable I'm getting for CDN$359 which is a great price, MSRP is $499.
Do I really need to spend $100 on a preamp for a $400 turntable and $600 receiver?

Honest opinions appreciated.

This is your cartridge. It has above average output, so you should be OK. If not, and you have the same problem as the OP, then those phono inputs are duds, and you will need a preamp. MM cartridges don't have greater output than this one.

It is a low end cartridge, and the best improvement you could make would be a cartridge upgrade. However better cartridges tend to lower output, so you might end up having to get a preamp then. I would see how you like this one first. Goldring make some of the best cartridges around, but the Elektra is their entry budget line.

Remember turntables are electromechanical, so you get much bigger dividends as you move up the food chain, than for digital devices.

 

[dobyblue]

Thank you!

I was a little concerned because the TX-SR805 manual doesn't mention anything about RIAA re-eq'ing, whereas the Denon 4308CI specifically states RIAA +/-1dB 20Hz-20kHz. I presume the RIAA goes without saying in any sort of phono preamplification whether done by the receiver or the external preamp?

I know that I can get away with a $99 transport for SACD and DVD-Audio, I haven't listened to records for a long time and was thinking about adding a Denon, Pioneer, Audio Technica, etc., $100 TT, but it didn't take much reading to convince me I'd be wasting my money.

My budget for this right now I'd really like to keep at $400. The dealer has one Goldring GR-2 left which is the display model and it has around 40 hours on it. He'd let it go for CDN$575, I'd probably be able to bargain it down to $550. I'm just scared to invest that much money right now, because I really don't want to hold off on my TV for much longer. Do you think I'd enjoy the benefits of just increasing my budget and getting the GR-2 over the GR-1.2?

The GR-2 comes with the 1012GX (http://www.goldring.co.uk/moving_coil_cartridges/1012gx_cartridge.htm) cartridge and a Rega RB200 tonearm.

The other option I have is the Pro-Ject Debut III for CDN$379 and I know I'd be probably upgrading the cartridge to the "10" immediately over the "5" from Ortofon.

Thanks again for the quick response.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thank you!

I was a little concerned because the TX-SR805 manual doesn't mention anything about RIAA re-eq'ing, whereas the Denon 4308CI specifically states RIAA +/-1dB 20Hz-20kHz. I presume the RIAA goes without saying in any sort of phono preamplification whether done by the receiver or the external preamp?

I know that I can get away with a $99 transport for SACD and DVD-Audio, I haven't listened to records for a long time and was thinking about adding a Denon, Pioneer, Audio Technica, etc., $100 TT, but it didn't take much reading to convince me I'd be wasting my money.

My budget for this right now I'd really like to keep at $400. The dealer has one Goldring GR-2 left which is the display model and it has around 40 hours on it. He'd let it go for CDN$575, I'd probably be able to bargain it down to $550. I'm just scared to invest that much money right now, because I really don't want to hold off on my TV for much longer. Do you think I'd enjoy the benefits of just increasing my budget and getting the GR-2 over the GR-1.2?

The GR-2 comes with the 1012GX (http://www.goldring.co.uk/moving_coil_cartridges/1012gx_cartridge.htm) cartridge and a Rega RB200 tonearm.

The other option I have is the Pro-Ject Debut III for CDN$379 and I know I'd be probably upgrading the cartridge to the "10" immediately over the "5" from Ortofon.

Thanks again for the quick response.

That Goldring cartridge is one of their high output moving coils, that you can use with a standard MM input. I think they are some of the best around, and that you would notice a very significant improvement.

 

[3db]

Just an FYI... My recently purchased Yamaha RX-V1800 has a phono stage that is a real phono stage. From the few houra of listening that I've done with a few records, I can honestly say that its a real phono stage and the sound is beautifully detailed, just like I remembered it was from my old Technics G90 (SADX-940)

 

[dobyblue]

That Goldring cartridge is one of their high output moving coils, that you can use with a standard MM input. I think they are some of the best around, and that you would notice a very significant improvement.

I absolutely did, comparing the GR-2 to the Rega P1 was like night and day, the difference was astounding!

I am madly in love. I picked up the GR-2 last week-end instead of the GR-1.2 and have managed to pick up about 8 records in the last week.

Ny friend Scott last night brought over the MFSL copy of Nirvana's Nevermind. I listened to Come As You Are - I always found this album to be the worst sounding of Nirvana's, so overproduced. I have NEVER heard it sound like that - absolutely incredible.

He bought it over 8 years ago I think, said he's only played it once. He said he'd probably sell it for $120 - I just looked up the market value, it's $300US no problem.

WOW, I wish I could have taken it off his hands. Anyway I bought 6 LP's off him for $10 each, all mint condition.

Tracy Chapman 1st album
Sloane - second album
John Lennon - Imagine Capitol release
The Cult - Love
The Cult - She Sells Sanctuary 12"
Pearl Jam - Vitalogy

Pearl Jam was never played, bought in 1995. It's worth $60 on the market, but I'm not selling it.