Turntable/speakers problem Please Help!

[arkmandluxe]

I got a preamp built in my turntable with a dj mixer. I want to buy powered speakers but i have 2 choices. The first one is with XLR. The second one is with line in outputs and 2 EQ. My dj mixer only has rca connections. How can I convert XLR to rca (will that even work?) and if i get line in is that going to use rca or 1/4".

 

[Haoleb]

You can convert RCA to XLR, there are several ways to do this, the most basic being a cable or adapter, and then there are active deivces that will do it. I have used the adapters which are just like a little XLR plug with an rca jack sticking out the back of it, and I have also made some RCA to XLR cables by simply going to radioshack and getting some RCA cable ends and then buying a pair of XLR cables and lopping off the end I didnt need and soldering on the rca ends.

A line level signal could mean RCA, TRS (1/4" phono) or XLR so you'll have to dig up a picture of the speakers or something to know for sure.

 

[arkmandluxe]

Thanks alot for the reply.

I have recieved some information on the second speaker but didnt have a picture. "The dB300a features a balanced microphone and line level inputs, XLR output and two band EQ."

 

[Haoleb]

Thanks alot for the reply.

I have recieved some information on the second speaker but didnt have a picture. "The dB300a features a balanced microphone and line level inputs, XLR output and two band EQ."

According to page 9 of the manual that speaker has a combo XLR and TRS jack for the line level input, so you could use either. Doesnt have any RCA inputs. In this case you probably want to go with the TRS unbalanced connection since its easier to find the proper adapters. Radioshack will have all of them.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/relatedDocs/dB300a_OM_5L_v1.pdf

 

[arkmandluxe]

Thanks again man really appreciate your help. Just one more question.
Since my turntable has a built in preamp, will using a dj mixer with powered speakers be enough to play the vinyl? I see on websites that an amplifier is needed but since the turntables are sending out a amplified signal to the speakers than why would you need to amplify it? Am I correct? im new to this and dont have much experience with audio electronics.

 

[Haoleb]

Responded via PM, but I'll post here too for future reference...

Most turntables do not have a built in phono-preamplifier, as you said yours does, which is why they usually require an additional preamplifier. Not only does the phono preamp amplify the very small signal produced by the turntables phono cartridge but it also uses a standardized EQ curve known as "RIAA equalization" because when a record is pressed its equalized so in essence it must be un-equalized when it is played back. Many stereo preamps come with a seperate phono preamp built in but there are also quite a few that dont as well. If yours has it built in then you should be able to plug it directly into your mixer and your mixer into the powered speakers and be good to go.

 

[Seth=L]

What are you using this turntable for? Scratching, or playback for hi-fidelity? Unless you plan on scratching the Numark is useless.

Yes, the TT has a preamp. Make sure the TT is set to line out.

A receiver or Preamp (not be confused with phono preamp) amplifier combonation could be used or a receiver to power some speakers. You could also get active monitors if the TT is your only intended source (not that you couldn't add more sources to active monitors).