Unconventional Stereo System Issues

[Rockwill1066]

So, earlier today, I encountered a really catastrophic issue regarding my unconventional stereo system. I connected my Victorola TT (https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Suitcase-Turntable-Speakers/dp/B00UMVW4VA) to a phono pre-amp (https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B004HJ1TTQ) with a red/white RCA cord, then I connected my pre-amp to my head-amp (https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-A3-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00Z9BIODA) with an RCA > AUX splitter from the two RCA ports on my pre-amp to the single 3.5 millimeter "AUX IN" port on my head-amp. I, fortunately, heard the TT playing the record, although at a very low clarity but, after I attempted to use the head-amp with which both of my SOUNDBOKS 2 speakers (https://www.amazon.com/SOUNDBOKS-Loudest-Wireless-Bluetooth-BATTERYBOKS/dp/B077XFYQ6F) are connected, in order to play music from my computer through a Bluetooth adapter inserted into the "AUX IN" port, I encountered the dreaded of issue of hearing absolutely no audio.

To provide some context, the exact same issue arose with my last head-amp of the same design, so I decided to order another one. After the first blow-out, I determined that the cause of the issue was the incredibly low-power phono audio signal, being far weaker than a digital signal, causing my battery to malfunction. After performing some research, reading the description of the page of the head-amp which states that it converts phono to RCA signals (and I, at the time, presumed that RCA could be converted to a digital signal with a splitter due to what I'm about to say), in addition to consulting with a friend of mine, and finally, making a post on a supposedly 'audiophile' forum on which someone, with great confidence and belief in their own veracity, told me that the arrangement would function, I decided to do what was said in the first paragraph. So, needless to say, I'm very desperate for someone with actual experience, diligence, and honesty to inform me of whether my new plan if implemented, will yield successful results. Of course, I appreciate any effort in regards to helping me resolve my issue but, if you're not confident that it will be successful, then I'd prefer you to mention your uncertainty in order to prevent the aforementioned situation. I've spent hours researching this topic and I still find it highly complicated and confusing, unfortunately.

My new plan consists of connecting the TT to the phono pre-amp with RCA cables, connecting my phono pre-amp to my Rockwell Equalizer (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rockville-REQ20-19-Pro-Rack-Mount-Dual-10-Band-Graphic-Equalizer-EQ-VU-Meters/373722599) with RCA cables, connecting my Rockwell Equalizer with RCA cables to my ADC (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081PK5Y6T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and, finally, using a Coaxial > 3.5-millimeter AUX cable inserted into my head-amp. I would also like to know if it's possible for me to successfully use a CD Player, or Cassette Deck, in substitution for the TT with the same linear components of the plan above followed. Thank you for taking the time to read this in advance, and I would like to use this forum more in order to gain more understanding regarding the audio world as I do find it interesting.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Are you sure that the RCA outputs of that particular product are phono level vs. line level? It's a pretty base level product, and may very well include an integrated phono preamp to ensure compatibility with standard A/V gear.

I'm not sure why you have so many amps involved between the record player and your speakers. You should just plug the speakers directly into the record player using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable or a RCA to 3.5mm cable to ensure you have good audio output from the record player. Then you can start adding all the doo-dads you have to go through for your setup.

First, you want to be sure, by checking with the manufacturer, whether or not the output from that particular record player is PHONO level or LINE level. I would expect it to already be line level.

You are trying to make this as complex as possible, using the absolute cheapest components you can, and I would expect lousy results.

Keep it simple. You are not.

 

[Rockwill1066]

Are you sure that the RCA outputs of that particular product are phono level vs. line level? It's a pretty base level product, and may very well include an integrated phono preamp to ensure compatibility with standard A/V gear.

I'm not sure why you have so many amps involved between the record player and your speakers. You should just plug the speakers directly into the record player using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable or a RCA to 3.5mm cable to ensure you have good audio output from the record player. Then you can start adding all the doo-dads you have to go through for your setup.

First, you want to be sure, by checking with the manufacturer, whether or not the output from that particular record player is PHONO level or LINE level. I would expect it to already be line level.

You are trying to make this as complex as possible, using the absolute cheapest components you can, and I would expect lousy results.

Keep it simple. You are not.

When you say "that particular product" in the first body of text, I'm presuming that you're referring to the TT? If so, I'm not entirely certain but, according to what I'm reading on an official article by Victorola pertaining to the configuration of a TT and other devices like speakers, a phono pre-amp would be required. I wouldn't be too surprised if it did have an integrated phono pre-amp but it doesn't explicitly indicate that on the Amazon web-page nor their own website which surprises me.

I only have one amp in my headphone amp besides the amps that are in both of my speakers and I guess the amp that's inside of my TT counts as well. I suppose I could directly connect my speakers to my TT but, on account of the fact that the audio signal from the TT made my headphone amplifier dysfunctional, I'm not willing to risk my precious, 750$ dollars, individually, speakers from no longer being functional due to trying that. Based on the research I've done, the very low voltage produced by a phono audio signal can make the battery unusable.

I'll send an e-mail to Victorola in order to determine whether they're line or phono level.

That's a fair point, but I presumed that fairly cheap components would be compatible with my configuration as, somehow, this tiny little head-phone amplifier can connect two massive powered speakers with two 10-inch subwoofers each; both of which are capable of outputting 122 decibels individually.

I don't need the equalizer personally so I'll try the configuration without it although I generally listen to very frustratingly-mixed underground music so that's my incentive for using an equalizer.

Hopefully this video will provide some much-needed clarification for my configuration:

 

[lovinthehd]

By even the descriptions on the Amazon page I don't think you need a phono pre-amp " Easily connect external speakers via the stereo RCA outputs" and "NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED". The product manual also indicates they are line outs. So take the phono pre-amp out of the circuit.

 

[TLS Guy]

So, earlier today, I encountered a really catastrophic issue regarding my unconventional stereo system. I connected my Victorola TT (https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Suitcase-Turntable-Speakers/dp/B00UMVW4VA) to a phono pre-amp (https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B004HJ1TTQ) with a red/white RCA cord, then I connected my pre-amp to my head-amp (https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-A3-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00Z9BIODA) with an RCA > AUX splitter from the two RCA ports on my pre-amp to the single 3.5 millimeter "AUX IN" port on my head-amp. I, fortunately, heard the TT playing the record, although at a very low clarity but, after I attempted to use the head-amp with which both of my SOUNDBOKS 2 speakers (https://www.amazon.com/SOUNDBOKS-Loudest-Wireless-Bluetooth-BATTERYBOKS/dp/B077XFYQ6F) are connected, in order to play music from my computer through a Bluetooth adapter inserted into the "AUX IN" port, I encountered the dreaded of issue of hearing absolutely no audio.

To provide some context, the exact same issue arose with my last head-amp of the same design, so I decided to order another one. After the first blow-out, I determined that the cause of the issue was the incredibly low-power phono audio signal, being far weaker than a digital signal, causing my battery to malfunction. After performing some research, reading the description of the page of the head-amp which states that it converts phono to RCA signals (and I, at the time, presumed that RCA could be converted to a digital signal with a splitter due to what I'm about to say), in addition to consulting with a friend of mine, and finally, making a post on a supposedly 'audiophile' forum on which someone, with great confidence and belief in their own veracity, told me that the arrangement would function, I decided to do what was said in the first paragraph. So, needless to say, I'm very desperate for someone with actual experience, diligence, and honesty to inform me of whether my new plan if implemented, will yield successful results. Of course, I appreciate any effort in regards to helping me resolve my issue but, if you're not confident that it will be successful, then I'd prefer you to mention your uncertainty in order to prevent the aforementioned situation. I've spent hours researching this topic and I still find it highly complicated and confusing, unfortunately.

My new plan consists of connecting the TT to the phono pre-amp with RCA cables, connecting my phono pre-amp to my Rockwell Equalizer (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rockville-REQ20-19-Pro-Rack-Mount-Dual-10-Band-Graphic-Equalizer-EQ-VU-Meters/373722599) with RCA cables, connecting my Rockwell Equalizer with RCA cables to my ADC (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081PK5Y6T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and, finally, using a Coaxial > 3.5-millimeter AUX cable inserted into my head-amp. I would also like to know if it's possible for me to successfully use a CD Player, or Cassette Deck, in substitution for the TT with the same linear components of the plan above followed. Thank you for taking the time to read this in advance, and I would like to use this forum more in order to gain more understanding regarding the audio world as I do find it interesting.

Readint this just made my head spin! All I know is that your system as a ridiculous cobble, and just badly engineered. You need to start from scratch and engineer it appropriately.

 

[Rockwill1066]

By even the descriptions on the Amazon page I don't think you need a phono pre-amp " Easily connect external speakers via the stereo RCA outputs" and "NO STEREO SYSTEM OR EXTRA EQUIPMENT REQUIRED". The product manual also indicates they are line outs. So take the phono pre-amp out of the circuit.

Understood. I thought that the voltage produced by the TT was causing issues for the head-amp but, on account of the fact that, even with the pre-amp, head-amp still gets blown, the pre-amp is unnecessary.

 

[Rockwill1066]

Readint this just made my head spin! All I know is that your system as a ridiculous cobble, and just badly engineered. You need to start from scratch and engineer it appropriately.

It would've been nice to do that before I dropped 1500 dollars on a pair of wireless, digital speakers.

 

[lovinthehd]

Understood. I thought that the voltage produced by the TT was causing issues for the head-amp but, on account of the fact that, even with the pre-amp, head-amp still gets blown, the pre-amp is unnecessary.

Well, also the doubling of the RIAA eq part.....didn't see a voltage output level from the record player manual but not sure what your headphone amp's parameters are either. Curious, why this bottom of the line record player? You have an old collection of vinyl you don't care much about?

 

[slipperybidness]

It would've been nice to do that before I dropped 1500 dollars on a pair of wireless, digital speakers.

It would be really nice to get speakers worthy of $1500 before you bought speakers for $1500 that were not worth $1500!

Is it too late to send any of this gear back?

Get the $ in your pocket, then come back and tell us what you are trying to do, your goals and budget, then you will have a nice system for much less hassle and much less $!

https://www.amazon.com/SOUNDBOKS-Loudest-Wireless-Bluetooth-BATTERYBOKS/dp/B077XFYQ6F

 

[slipperybidness]

So, earlier today, I encountered a really catastrophic issue regarding my unconventional stereo system. I connected my Victorola TT (https://www.amazon.com/Victrola-Bluetooth-Suitcase-Turntable-Speakers/dp/B00UMVW4VA) to a phono pre-amp (https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B004HJ1TTQ) with a red/white RCA cord, then I connected my pre-amp to my head-amp (https://www.amazon.com/FiiO-A3-Portable-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B00Z9BIODA) with an RCA > AUX splitter from the two RCA ports on my pre-amp to the single 3.5 millimeter "AUX IN" port on my head-amp. I, fortunately, heard the TT playing the record, although at a very low clarity but, after I attempted to use the head-amp with which both of my SOUNDBOKS 2 speakers (https://www.amazon.com/SOUNDBOKS-Loudest-Wireless-Bluetooth-BATTERYBOKS/dp/B077XFYQ6F) are connected, in order to play music from my computer through a Bluetooth adapter inserted into the "AUX IN" port, I encountered the dreaded of issue of hearing absolutely no audio.

To provide some context, the exact same issue arose with my last head-amp of the same design, so I decided to order another one. After the first blow-out, I determined that the cause of the issue was the incredibly low-power phono audio signal, being far weaker than a digital signal, causing my battery to malfunction. After performing some research, reading the description of the page of the head-amp which states that it converts phono to RCA signals (and I, at the time, presumed that RCA could be converted to a digital signal with a splitter due to what I'm about to say), in addition to consulting with a friend of mine, and finally, making a post on a supposedly 'audiophile' forum on which someone, with great confidence and belief in their own veracity, told me that the arrangement would function, I decided to do what was said in the first paragraph. So, needless to say, I'm very desperate for someone with actual experience, diligence, and honesty to inform me of whether my new plan if implemented, will yield successful results. Of course, I appreciate any effort in regards to helping me resolve my issue but, if you're not confident that it will be successful, then I'd prefer you to mention your uncertainty in order to prevent the aforementioned situation. I've spent hours researching this topic and I still find it highly complicated and confusing, unfortunately.

My new plan consists of connecting the TT to the phono pre-amp with RCA cables, connecting my phono pre-amp to my Rockwell Equalizer (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rockville-REQ20-19-Pro-Rack-Mount-Dual-10-Band-Graphic-Equalizer-EQ-VU-Meters/373722599) with RCA cables, connecting my Rockwell Equalizer with RCA cables to my ADC (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B081PK5Y6T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1), and, finally, using a Coaxial > 3.5-millimeter AUX cable inserted into my head-amp. I would also like to know if it's possible for me to successfully use a CD Player, or Cassette Deck, in substitution for the TT with the same linear components of the plan above followed. Thank you for taking the time to read this in advance, and I would like to use this forum more in order to gain more understanding regarding the audio world as I do find it interesting.

That TT will transmit Bluetooth signal, right? And, your speakers can receive BT signal? Why don't you just use the BT?

 

[Rockwill1066]

Well, also the doubling of the RIAA eq part.....didn't see a voltage output level from the record player manual but not sure what your headphone amp's parameters are either. Curious, why this bottom of the line record player? You have an old collection of vinyl you don't care much about?

The TT outputs 5 volts DC. The FiiO A3 inputs 5 volts DC as well @ 500 mA. It seems like a match made in heaven but, apparently, it was made in hell because the electricity either blew the input circuit or the battery; it's probably one or the other. I currently have one Vinyl record. I spent an excessive amount on audio equipment and especially speakers so I tried to compensate for that by purchasing a cheap record player, which wasn't a very good decision. I think I may return it.

 

[Rockwill1066]

That TT will transmit Bluetooth signal, right? And, your speakers can receive BT signal? Why don't you just use the BT?

It won't transmit a Bluetooth signal although it will receive it in order to play music through the speakers from someone's smartphone. I wish I could just use BT though honestly. Any recommendations regarding BT compatible, TTs?

 

[lovinthehd]

The TT outputs 5 volts DC. The FiiO A3 inputs 5 volts DC as well @ 500 mA. It seems like a match made in heaven but, apparently, it was made in hell because the electricity either blew the input circuit or the battery; it's probably one or the other. I currently have one Vinyl record. I spent an excessive amount on audio equipment and especially speakers so I tried to compensate for that by purchasing a cheap record player, which wasn't a very good decision. I think I may return it.

That's a very high output line level. Where did you get the spec?

Yeah, if you're not already invested in vinyl just stop now, it's really not worth it IMO (from a long time vinyl user). You can do fine digitally for much less.

 

[Rockwill1066]

That's a very high output line level. Where did you get the spec?

Yeah, if you're not already invested in vinyl just stop now, it's really not worth it IMO (from a long time vinyl user). You can do fine digitally for much less.

https://gyazo.com/7d7212385364b9ed6e72de9c22b1008f - Reference for the line-level output.

I think I might purchase some vinyl although I'm not particularly interested in accumulating a massive collection. I just like the feel of a record even though CDs are generally of higher audio quality.

 

[lovinthehd]

https://gyazo.com/7d7212385364b9ed6e72de9c22b1008f - Reference for the line-level output.

I think I might purchase some vinyl although I'm not particularly interested in accumulating a massive collection. I just like the feel of a record even though CDs are generally of higher audio quality.

That's just the power supply spec for the record player it seems.

Good luck with the vinyl thing....

 

[slipperybidness]

The TT outputs 5 volts DC. The FiiO A3 inputs 5 volts DC as well @ 500 mA. It seems like a match made in heaven but, apparently, it was made in hell because the electricity either blew the input circuit or the battery; it's probably one or the other. I currently have one Vinyl record. I spent an excessive amount on audio equipment and especially speakers so I tried to compensate for that by purchasing a cheap record player, which wasn't a very good decision. I think I may return it.

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$1,500 5.1 Channel Expandable Recommended Home Theater System

stumbled across this article by audiohalics https://www.audioholics.com/recommended-systems/1000-5.1-channel-recommended-system but its a year old, so i would like to ask for help on the receiver part. is the onkyo tx-sr494 still my best option? i notice it doesnt have dolby vision or hdr10. i...

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[Rockwill1066]

$1,500 5.1 Channel Expandable Recommended Home Theater System

Recommended System: Drop that home theater in a box. Today the Audioholics build a high performance home theater system on a $1,000 budget. Click to find out which components we picked.

www.audioholics.com

$1,500 5.1 Channel Expandable Recommended Home Theater System

stumbled across this article by audiohalics https://www.audioholics.com/recommended-systems/1000-5.1-channel-recommended-system but its a year old, so i would like to ask for help on the receiver part. is the onkyo tx-sr494 still my best option? i notice it doesnt have dolby vision or hdr10. i...

forums.audioholics.com

I appreciate the recommendation and I'll contemplate it.

 

[Rockwill1066]

That's just the power supply spec for the record player it seems.

Good luck with the vinyl thing....

AH! Should've realized. That explains why my headphone amplifier couldn't take it I guess. Incompatible phono pre-amp and my system is too powerful to be driven by a head-amp in addition to TTs, EQs, and what not. I think it can hardly handle both of my speakers in stereo mode.

 

[lovinthehd]

AH! Should've realized. That explains why my headphone amplifier couldn't take it I guess. Incompatible phono pre-amp and my system is too powerful to be driven by a head-amp in addition to TTs, EQs, and what not. I think it can hardly handle both of my speakers in stereo mode.

Not really, the power supply level is not the same as your output line level at all. You don't likely have anywhere close to a 5V output on the line level, maybe 200-300 mV. Just overall a shitty record player and associated specs.