I'm brand new to all of this and been relying on RUclips vids for guidance. I've watched at least a dozen, and yours is by far the easiest, most concise with the right amount of details. Thanks for such a well-explained video perfectly suited for a novice. I now feel confident about ordering a preamp :)
I'm rather new to vinyl and your video was clear and made complete sense to me. I've been looking for a video that actually told me what a preamp did. Thanks!
Clearly explained and after watching this video I'm thinking of getting a turntable now, I'm currently enjoying my CDs with my blueray player to an external DAC going to my integrated amplifier.
Hey congratulations for your channel. Got precious information. I have Rega Planar 1 turntable. Denon AVR-X1400H , Behringer micro phono PP400 preamp. Also Denon DR-M12HX tape deck. The thing is that I play tape deck on 35-40 volume and turnable on 65+ for proper listening.
It goes a bit beyond just being a preamp that boosts the weak turntable signal. The records were recorded with an RIAA curve, which tapers off the low end so the grooves in the record aren't too deep and make the stylus jump out of the groove. The phono preamp (found in the '70s and 80"s receivers) compensates for this and boosts the low end back to its normal level.
Hey Christoper! Thanks for adding to the conversation. This topic can get deep fast. There are a ton of factors that go into both making a great-sounding record (e.g., good mastering) - and then getting that great-sounding record to sound great through your audio system. Keep 'em spinning!
Absolutely. Gain alone without RIAA will give a tiny, bass-less & gutless sound with very overly bright treble. RIAA is the difficult bit to get right & sound good in phono-circuits while extra gain alone is plain easy. There were 3 or 4 different curves over the years. Columbia, Decca FFRR & at least another & the later RIAA curve with a turnover frequency of 1000 Hz, where phono-stage will boosted below & quelled above that frequency, the inverse of RIAA of the master stamper disc recording
@DeafManVinyl my AudioTechnica LP60X has an inbuilt preamp but it's a hum magnet , would it be better to purchase a better external preamp for it ?? It's running through an AV receiver on phono right now with a very faint hum when it's not playing a record
Dan, I'm stuck on a turntable setup that I hope you can provide guidance: Technic 1200 turntable going through a Line input of a Rane TTM56 mixer console and finally to a pair of Mackie CR3 powered monitors. The setup requires me to turn the mixer master volume up all the way up and speaker volume much higher than if I were running music via Bluetooth from a mobile device. Should I be using a preamp from the mixer to the powered monitors in the Line out configuration?
Dude! Dude!! I have the exact same turntable and a YAMAHA RX-A880. I've been buying old vinyl at garage sales and some of them are really low, I have to crank the volume to get it bump a bit. When I play "Sada" from around 1988 it comes out with a little less gain. I thought maybe this was normal from back in the day, but you educated me on the truth. I guess I'll start my cheap preamps preamps search again. Great video👍🏾👍🏾
I have a jvc ql-y55f turntable with a shure v cartridge does it have a built in preamp? I don't think it does and I would like to use it on my newer denon avr. I would probably need a preamp right? I just ran across your channel I really enjoy it . Thanks on all the great videos 😀
could I use my portable stereo as a pre amp? Turntable to line in, and headphone jack to home theater? Just curious. I know you would need to keep the volume low.
Hi. congratulations on the videos. (Brazilian in the area) with modest system: at-pl120 and denon 600ne (pma + dcd), Bookshelf Klipsch R-15m. in order to improve the sound and add an equalizer. which would indicate preamp phono ? and equalizer? Thanks in advance!
I bought a modern turntable about a year ago (Rega P2) and have a modern-ish receiver (Denon X4700H) that DID have a phono input. The gain was so week I had to crank the volume and ended up getting the Rega Fono MM mk5 - Gamechanger!
This helped - thank you very much. My set up is almost sacrilege - I have two Rega turntables - one ten years old, RP1 - and today, a new Planar Plus - mixing through a Radio Shack (!) mixer/fader - yikes. And the new Rega sounds great using Line 2 port. Thanks again....
Many years ago, I had a nice turntable with receiver given to me as a present. Can't even remember the brand of the turn table but was likely a Japanese make (probably 1980s vintage or possibly early 90s.) The receiver would have had a built in preamp. I had a great time playing records on this setup but then later on, the turn table wasn't used for a long period of time (may have been a few months or half a year, possibly even a whole year - I can't recall exactly.) After that long period of inactivity, I decided to play a record and the audio quality had dropped significantly. It sounded awful. It was very off putting and I never used it again. Would you have any theories as to what would have caused the sound to go bad? I doubt that anything had worn down like the needle because it had not been used. Obviously, things wear down when they're being used (especially regular usage.) Clearly, that wasn't the case here. Later on when my family and I moved house, I may have thrown the turn table out but I can't recall if that was really the case or not. I hope I didn't. That would have been regretful if I did. But since it had a problem with the sound, I didn't know how much trouble (or money) it would take to get it fixed. In more recent years, Ive had some interest in getting another turn table and playing records again. And I like peoples recommendations of getting older good quality turn tables from the well known Japanese companies of the 1970s / 1980s rather than the brand new Chinese made entry level models. However, at the same time, I do have my reservations about buying a second hand turn table due to my experiences with my last one. Some of these old turn tables may have been sitting around unused for a very long time and may have developed the same poor quality sound that my TT did (or perhaps that's me being paranoid.) Is this a common thing at all for turn tables to develop poor sound after not being used for a long time or was I just unlucky?
Hi man love the videos great context easily explained . I have been experiencing a hum with my Rega 2 turntable ever since i fitted a Technics green cartridge . I have been struggling with retracing and rewire-ring the cartage with no effect. The big problem is that the Rega has not got a earth . there are many tips saying to link a earth wire to the red phono and connect it to the earth on the amp . No luck. I PURCHASED A REGA MM Mk3 pre-amp witch makes it worst .Have you got any tips. Many thanks Gerald
I have a RELOOP RP2000M Pro Quartz Direct Drive Turntable, and I bought a RELOOP IPHONO 2 / ULTRA PORTABLE PHONO/LINE USB RECORDING INTERFACE. When I connect those into my laptop via (USB), and using Audacity, I can see the recording level moving, when I record a vinyl, but I can't hear anything thru my headphones. I have tried different headphones, and nothing. I do hear other noises from the computer, but again, no sound from the record. I recorded the vinyl, and when I played on the computer it was recorded fine, but without listening to it, when it's being recorded, it makes it difficult to calibrate the sound and volume. Any suggesting how to fix this? Much appreciated.
Nice video... Even though I knew it, I stuck around to the end for the lesson. Question is, Is there an advantage to get an external phono pre-amp versus the built in? So many brands make them and I wonder if Audiophiles ever pick their own phono pre-amps instead of relying on the built in pre-amps in modern turntables and receivers.
Hey Fabio - Yes, an audiophile would almost always use a separate phono pre-amp. High-end turntables typically do not come with a built-in one. Even a fairly low-end external pre-amp is going to be built better and with better components than the tiny one they have to cram into a modern turntable. It's an inexpensive upgrade. You can find plenty of solid pre-amps for $199 or less. I have a NAD pre-amp and love it.
My turntable has a preamp and my receiver has a phono input. If i use a standalone preamp, which receiver input does it go into? Aux, pc, ? Also, should my switch on turntable be on phono or line? Thanks
Great video. Am I weird? I like to listen to my vinyl using my six speaker surround sound? I have a Audio Technica AT-LP240 USB turntable that I have been using and it is great! I have been using the built in preamp but I am thinking about using the bypass phono switch and getting a project Phono Box. I currently have a Yamaha RX-V765 receiver that has been wonderful. I have an all Klipsch speaker system. I just replaced the Sub with the SPL-120 and the two floor speakers with the RP8000F's. Do you think I will notice much difference if I choose to make this switch? I would greatly appreciate your input. The current system is good but I do have to turn the volume up more to get the desired results. I also have to remember to turn it down before I watch the TV or a movie. Thanks so much!
I have the same Audio tech TT and a yamaha rx-v800 with a phono jack, but when i play a album, i have to crank up the volume . is this normal with this model? I never had a issue with my other yamaha receiver
Thanks for the video - beginner here. My wife bought me a $99 turntable with pre-amp included. I am happy with sound, my question is how to get sound to the next level? Best to buy a high end turntable or high end phono pre-amp? Or a better stylus -cartridge. Thank you.
Yes! The problem with a $99 turntable is that it usually doesn't have a removable cartridge (the stylus is the only thing you can replace). The cartridge is the sound-producing part of the turntable, so better cartridge = better sound. Something like this Audiotechnica would be a good step up for you, turntable and cartridge-wise: www.audio-technica.com/en-us/turntables/best-for/step-up-models/at-lp120xbt-usb. Music Hall makes a nice turntable too. You can get a ton for your money in the $199-$299 range. I would go there before pumping money into anything else, such as a pre-amp. Keep em' spinning!
Bear in mind that you do not need a receiver with a vintage turntable, pretty much every amp from the 20th century had a built in pre amp. My old Audiolab 8000A was chosen for its pre amp stage and it still sounds sweet 25 years later coupled up to my even older Linn LP12.
8000A had a gr8 phono stage too. When Audiolab later bought out the newer 8000S integrated, they made it line-level only & simultaneously bought out the new 8000P phone-stage which was £799 alone way back in late 80's, guess they thought vinyl was on the way out & only wealthy folk with very good t/tables will want to keep it up. Which was right in that CDs only bettered cheaper rack-system t/tables. While a well armed Thorens, Linn or Ariston, etc etc floored CD. I know from experience. Bet you wont get any CD player today sounding as good & emotionally involving as that 8000A with Linn Sondek & a properly aligned cartridge, i het that still trounces any new CD player with fancy £2000 seperate DACs. Ive given-up on CD.s in the same year i fell for the new hype & bought one. My CD's get left in the car mostly, i have a good 17'kg Sony 557ESD CD player but Vinyl urinates all over it with same recordings on same system, with real musical emotional involvment that sterile CD sound can't get near to imo.
@@thespotlightkid1011 Well put and you are exactly right, I`ve yet to hear any digital format that is as sweet, detailed and involving as my old LP12 through my 8000a and my Tannoy speakers.
Just found your channel. Subbed. A few years ago I bought a refurbished Marantz 2252B receiver (this was a dream when I was in my teens and 20s but couldn't afford it). The thing is amazing. I bought a Fluance turntable shortly after and have been reliving my youth via my 40-50 year old records. They sound good but I've been wondering lately if I could get even better sound using a pre-amp and bypassing the phone inputs on the receiver. What do you think? And if so, where the heck would I plug it into the receiver? The aux input? Thanks again for good content.
Man, you are living the dream! That sounds like a hot set-up. Don't know the particular specs on that Marantz, but most guys that are seriously into audio run things through a separate phone stage (pre-amp). I have a cheapie little NAD pre-amp that I use on one of my systems, and it does the trick.
@@DeafManVinyl LOL thanks. Yeah I just said the hell with it and pulled all the old lp's out, bought a diy ultrasonic cleaner thing and dished out for the receiver on ebay. Thought it was steep a few years back when I paid just under $500 but now I see some going for almost $1000! I actually got a cheap pre-amp delivered a couple days ago, hooked it up to the aux input on the Marantz and it sounds good.
Very interesting video but i Ve a question. If i Ve a modern turntable as audiotechnica lp5x with a switch phono / line on the back. And i Ve a modern ampli as a Cambridge audio ax100d with a phono out. I connect using the switch on the phono side on the turntable inside the phono out of the amp. I want my vinyl sound Better. I buy a preamp. I put It between the turntable and the amp using Always the switch phono. The sound i obtain is Better using the preamp or Is not useful? I do not Ve a preamp now. I can only notice that simetimes i Need do go up with the volume on the amp. I can t do a test by myself. I do not know if It s clear. I Ve new turntable and new amp with phono out. There Is an improvement in the sound quality with a preamp? Using a preamp i Ve Always to mantain the same phono setting at the bottom and connect on the phono in in the amp or i Need ti use an aux line? Thanks
Just what I needed. Looks like I have that same turntable, Technics SL-B20. Slight problem with mine. Any ideas on how to fix it? The arm isn’t lifting all the way and it will drag across the vinyl as it auto returns. It has something to do with the black lift mechanism. The cueing works sort of. If off the record, it lifts up and down but it’s way off and drops to low. I have to run it with cueing up, which is why it drags on the return. Anyway to adjust/fix this?
If you send me your e-mail, I'll send you the Service Manual for the SL-B20. Deafmanvinyl@gmail.com Thinking the lift mechanism may need some lube (super light oil, aka "sewing machine oil").
I saw 2 orbs of faint light in the top right corner of the screen. 1 goes towards the corner at 2':33" in, & the 2'nd one appears 2 or 3 seconds later in the same are but travelling into view at a different direction, maybe it's the same one after it first dissapears off screen for a couple of seconds. They're not a bug or insect but classic soft-light orbs. Maybe it's an old haunted part of the building, esp' if you record the vid around 3 - 4 a.m. when you're most likely to see them. If your cam' always produces these appearing from nowhere & moving through the air, It could be a camera glitch. (that's what most folk prefer to think)
Deaf Man - does it make sense to add an external preamp to my AudioTechnica turntable that already has a built-in preamp? I've read that you can, I've also read, "what's the point' articles. I know the built-in preamps are much smaller than the externals and probably made cheaper.
It really depends. If you are getting solid sound and rocking the windows with your current setup, then go with what ya got. In general, an external pre-amp is going to be better engineered, have better components and generate a better signal/sound than an internal pre-amp, which by its nature is a small, fairly low-end add-on to the turntable. But if you're more into enjoying your music than sweating out tech specs, you should be fine with the built-in.
I have hooked up my TT to an integrated amplifier and it plays well. If I hook up a preamp between the TT and the preamp, will it improve the sound much more?
I thought it might be confusing (for those knowing little on the t/t signal's topic) by using the word pre-amp to describe what you need to run a vintage deck without an in-built phono-stage. When they need a "pre-amp with phono stage" or just a "phono-stage" for an integrated or pre-amp with line-level only inputs. If they just hear they need a pre-amp to run an vintage t/table without inbuilt phono-stage, then buying any "pre-amp" will be no use unless it has a phono inout, and since the late 80's & certainly by the yr 2000, pre-amps & integrated amps have practically all been line-only i.e. no phono-stage in them. Vintage pre-amps pre late 80's do have phono-stages but after CD in 1983'ish, phono-stages in pre-amps & integrated amps gradually began to increasingly dissapear fast & by 1990 to 2000, they were nearly all gone, hence no good for vintage turntable. Phono is the key word, it used to be "Gram" (in 5'pin din plug days) before "phono" word took over. If someone came into my shop & said they wanted a pre-amp, i'd ask what they intend to run through it as only the s/h pre late 1980's vintage pre-amps have phono inputs, mostly, but few exceptions
Hello, I have a question. I have a vintage pioneer turntable from the 80s, and currently a pair of edifier power speakers. Do I need both a receiver with a phono output and also a preamp to make my set up work? Thank you.
So, all that's missing from the equation is a pre-amp. The Pioneer most probably doesn't have one built in like today's modern turntables, and the Edifier needs a line-level signal to work (a phono signal that has been amplified by the pre-amp). You can get a decent pre-amp for under $169. Plug the turntable to the In and the speakers to the Out and you're ready to rock!
So if I have a turntable with a pre amp, can I just hook it up to an unused slot on my reciver (that doesn’t have phono) and switch my turntable to line for it to work or do I need to get something?
Sorry to be so late getting back to you. Wound up with a case of Covid. Yes, what you are describing should work. Switch to Line to get the internal pre-amp working and then plug the RCA cable into an unused slot (CD would definitely work). Good luck!
Hey Willy - A good way to go these days is with a turntable and powered speakers. Because the powered speakers already have amplification built in, you can skip the receiver (which is actually an integrated amplifier). You just need a turntable with a built in pre-amp. Here's a pretty decent turntable/powered speaker combo: www.turntablelab.com/products/audio-technica-at-lp120x-usb-turntable-audioengine-a2-speakers-package-1 Or you can upgrade to an external pre-amp, which will usually be built better and feature better components. Good luck!
Great Video! I have a question. I recently acquired A LOT of vintage vinyl (ie Rubber Soul....original release.....stuff I played on an old Lloyds stereo my parents had) while cleaning out my parents' house. I acquired a Kenwood KD-291R for free. I bought a new stylus and belt and will order a preamp. This Kenwood does not have an external ground post. Will I be OK without a ground wire from the turntable to the preamp? Power is on one side of the turntable and the line out is the opposite side. I'm truly confused by this. I've done a good amount of searching and am not finding an answer so far. I love music and am looking forward t playing some vinyl!
Hey Charles - you might be ok without a ground (many later-model tables didn't come with a ground wire). I'd just hook it up and see (with volume turned down). Not going to "blow up"anything by testing it that way. The pre-amp may very well have a ground, which you can connect to the receiver and accomplish what you need. Good luck!
@@DeafManVinyl Thank you! I have my preamp and just ordered a carbon fiber brush and sleeves from the website. Looking forward to working on my re-connection with vinyl. I used to but albums at my local Tower Records.....the hangout spot for the marching band after football games. Unfortunately, albums like Pyromania and Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind were stolen but at least I have some cool stuff to test out like Vh - 1984 and Rubber Soul.
@@DeafManVinyl Thank you! I picked up some cleaning and storage supplies from your site last night. I look forward to getting back on track with this stuff.
Thx for the video. I have a vintage '76 Technics SL2000 turntable hooked up to a more modern Harman/Kardon receiver (date unknown). The receiver does have a phono input but the output volume is still lower than playing CDs (approx. 25% less). I just upgraded the cart & stylus as part of the troubleshooting. Would an external pre amp still be beneficial? Cheers
Yes, my guess is that the old turntable doesn't have a built-in pre-amp, and the modern receiver doesn't have one either. In the old days, receivers had both a pre-amp and amp built in (technically, they were called an "integrated amplifier"). So, the audio signal from the SL2000 is not getting amplified properly. You should be able to find a solid stand-alone pre-amp that doesn't bust the bank. Check these out: www.crutchfield.com/S-oG73QVoGHPR/shopsearch/phono_preamp.html?XVINQ=GW0&XVVer=P08&awcp=&awcr=309959348288&awdv=c&awkw=phono%20preamp&awmt=p&awnw=g&awug=9011283&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8EbRYZjMvSmFIPWOtgsi25AEcOlgiAGRtxAWdqOHtdkk0QRAtFOXhQaAjuqEALw_wcB
if your HK receiver has a phono input - and you are using that input- do not add another outboard phono stage. The amount of gain that build-in phono stages have varies, as does the output from the phono cartridge. just turn the volume knob a bit higher and you are good. it is possible that your cartridge is a MC design, and these have a much lower output. there are exceptions to this as well. there is a reply by another person here and they get into more detail about the RIAA curve used in recording.
Hay Andree - Yes, you could get better sound with a decent external preamp. Internal ones (built into the turntable) generally use cheaper components and have to be stripped down to fit inside the player. I have a low-cost external NAD pre-amp, and it does the trick nicely. That said, two -pre-amps don't make it sound twice as good (in fact, it will sound twice as bad!). You'll have to switch off the turntable's internal pre-amp first (there should be a switch on the back). That one on top of an external pre-amp will only create a god-awful, incredibly distorted sound. Good luck.
Even though I have a receiver with a phono line is there anything to be gained by running my TT, that does not have a line switch through a pre amp and then into the phono line?
This video isn't the best source for information, Quite a bit of relevant information was left out. When you connect a TT to any audio system, you use 2 preamps. Your TT connects to your phono preamp. The output on the phono preamp puts out a line level signal. That means you don't connect it to your receiver's phono input. If you do that, you end up running the signal through 2 phono preamps. You need to connect it to a line level input on your receivers preamp. So its, phono preamp first, line level preamp second. There's one thing I want to clarify regarding my statement on using 2 preamps. You always use 2 (phono and line level), but they may be in different locations. When you plug your TT into the phono input on your receiver, both preamps are located inside it. Or, you can use an external phono pre outside of your receiver. It doesn't matter where the preamps are located. The signal flow is exactly the same either way you do it.
Sorry for the late reply, Matt. Yes, you could switch off the LP 120's built-in pre-amp and add an external/upgraded one. For what it's worth, I get pretty solid sound from my 120 using the stock pre-amp.
Just bought a Sony TT. I hate it. Sounds poor. No punch, low bass. Tried receiver (Sony) preamp, built-in, and powered speakers preamp. None sound very good to me. Fixed cartridge so i'm stuck there. Would a preamp possibly help? I'll be on retirement income soon and would rather not spend big for a TT. Just want great sound to play my old vinyl in retirement! Thank you.
You've got to be careful here. You can't have what is essentially 2 pre-amps working at the same time. So, you can switch off the built-in-preamp in your turntable (switch it from Line to Phono) and then wire it directly into a receiver with a built-in pre-amp (i.e., an "integrated receiver"). Or, wire it to a stand-alone pre-amp and then to an "aux" input on your Yamaha (you don't want to connect it to Phono, because you will have two pre-amp, which results in a distorted signal). Good luck!
So i plugged the 2012 pioneer PL990 into the 1996 Pioneer VSX-305 in the phono. It was quiet. I then tried the VCR input and works fine. The 1970s Lloyds H701 plugged in Was loud enough in the phono but i cant seem to adjust its turntable speed down as its doing 34 rpm. Why would the 1970s unit be loud enough but the modern 2012 unit be quiet in the same phono plug? Did some of the old turn tables have a preamp?.
Man, I'm not exactly sure what's going on there. Lloyds was a pretty low-end table, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a pre-amp. But the PL990 does have one and should have sounded fine coming through that receiver. My guess is that there's a switch on the back of the PL990. Should say Phono/Line. You want it on Line, which kicks the pre-amp on. Good luck!
I am looking at getting a AT-LP3 turntable...so it has the amp built in. So do I need powered speakers or passive speakers? Im not interested in bluetooth. Thanks.
Powered speakers will work straight from the AT-LP3 with the built-in phono pre-amp switched on. You can direct-wire straight to the speakers if you don't want to mess with BT. To power passive speakers, you'll need to run the LP3 through an amplifier or receiver first, typically with the turntable's built-in pre-amp switched off. What we call "receivers" are really integrated amplifiers - they have a phono pre-amp and amp integrated into a single unit, so do not need the turntable's pre-amp (you will get a godawful, overamplified squall if you add a pre-amp to a pre-amp). Keep 'em spinning!
I got a question, I have a turntable without a pre-amplifier so obviously when I connect it to my active speakers the sound is horrible. I was wondering what would happen if I where to connect my turntable to a pre-amplifier, and that pre-amplifier to my active speakers. Do I still need a receiver to get good quality sound or will the setup, turntable > pre-amplifier > active speakers, work?
Sorry to be so late getting back to you (I freakin' got Covid!@). You've probably figured it out, but yes, what you described is exactly what you need to do to make that turntable work with powered speakers. Add a basic external pre-amp, plug it all into those powered speakers, and let it rock. The powered speakers basically take the place of a receiver. Keep 'em spinning!
@@DeafManVinyl Thanks for your reply, hope you are doing better. I found a good pre-amp and been listening to my vinyl’s again. I hope to see more from you in the future your video’s ROCK!
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@deafmanvinyl what preamp are you using in this video?
So I have a Denon AVR -1100 which has a Phono Stage. Problem is it sounds like crap. Can I still hookup a pre-amp between my Denon and turntable? Or maybe once I have a preamp i don't even care about the Phono Stage of my Denon?
So, you can't add another (external) pre-amp on top of the receiver's built-in phono stage. You'll just get a distorted signal. You can however add an external pre-amp and use another input (try plugging it into an unused CD or AUX port). Hope that helps.
Theoretically, you can plug the headphones into the jack on the LP60 and listen away. The challenge is that you will have no control over the volume. There's no way to adjust it on the turntable. To be able to do that, you need to run it through some sort of amplifier, which will have a volume control on it. You then plug into the headphone jack on the amplifier. There are actually headphone amplifiers, which I don't really know much about. You could also look for an inexpensive receiver/amplifier at a thrift store, and that would do the trick. If you're just using it to power the headphones, I'd throw $30-$40 bucks at it and call it a day. Here's a good article on the subject from Audio Technica: www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/audio-solutions-question-of-the-week-can-i-use-headphones-to-listen-directly-to-my-audio-technica-turntable/ Keep 'em spinning!
Suggest you go on a site like Crutchfield and do a little research (they're a solid company). You def can get a decent, name-brand pre-amp in the $100-$169 range. Good luck!
Hey Deaf Man very informative content. My question is I have a newer audio technica atlp3 turntable I'm running through a pair of Mackie cr8 xbt studio monitors with a built in amp that states its capable of running 160w. I run it on line with the cheaper hardwired rca cable into an rca adapter and the high end mogami rca into the rca input on the powered speaker. Surprisingly the overall volume output is not what I was hoping for or expecting 😕 any tips on how to increase overall volume or maximize the power amp. 🤔 I was considering an additional power amp but don't want to overload the system. Save scrapping the powered studio monitors and buying passive with a much more powerful amp, What are my options? Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated 🙏 Thanks so much Steve
Yep. What you and I call a receiver is more accurately an "integrated amplifier." It has a pre-amp and amplifier all built in (integrated). The "receiver" part refers to receiving the AM/FM signal (remember the days of terrestrial radio!?).
Man, I don't know a ton about these. My guess is that it's an "integrated" amp with the pre-amp and amp combined in one unit. At the very least, a modern turntable like at Audiotechnica should work on it, as it has a built-in pre-amp.
You might not notice a difference unless you're a budding audiophile. I have plenty of vintage "integrated" amp/receivers that I use and love. But yes, a quality external pre-amp coupled with a quality amp is going to sound better. How much better is a pretty subjective call.
Hi my turntable is plugged in to the phono on my amp but I'm getting no sound and I've tried plugging it elsewhere and it sounds very low when I play my viynl I've checked my cartridge and that's fine
Sounds like there's a pre-amp missing in the equation. If your amp isn't an integrated amp (one with both a pre-amp and amp built in) you'll need a turntable with one built in (there will be a switch in the back that says LINE or PHONO). Or, you'll need to add a stand-alone pre-amp between the turntable and amp.What model turntable and amp do you have?
@@charo5774 Nice turntable! This one has a built-in pre-amp, so you can go directly to a set of powered speakers (the kind you plug in to an outlet). They will further amplify the signal coming out of your turntable, and you'll be ready to rock. Just remember to switch it from "phono" to "line" in the back. That will use the internal pre-amp. Big picture, a turntable's job is to spin the record. It doesn't really produce audible sound (you need speakers for that.) Just use the RCA cables (the red and white cables that come with the turntable) to connect to your speakers. You can also use the USB cable to hook it to your computer if you're going to convert vinyl to digital. Good luck, and Keep 'em Spinning!
I have a receiver amp with no phono amp connection. What would give me a better sound 1) buying an external phono amp and plugging into my receiver or 2) buying an amp around 1000 with a built in phono amp. Any help would be appreciated
Hey Mark - On a more modern receiver with no phono input, you can as you note typically use an unused slot on the back (aux or even CD). Just need to make sure the signal coming from the turntable is a line-level one. If the turntable has a built-in pre-amp (most modern ones do) you must make sure the switch on the back is switched to "LINE." In the absence of a built-in pre-amp, you can buy a stand-alone one and go that way, which should give you more robust sound. As far as buying a $1,000 integrated amp, that's a pretty serious investment. The are plenty of great ones in the $399-$599 range, which is more my price range! See: www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/integrated_amplifiers.html?&pg=2. Personally, I'm partial to vintage '70s receivers (Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz), which were purpose-built for a phone signal, although they can be tough to keep running. Good luck!
No, there are plenty of differences between receivers/amps. An easy one is the output (watts). My vintage 60 watt Pioneer sounds totally different than my 20 watt one. Tube amps sound different than solid state amps. You can geek out and pore of the technical specs (e.g., harmonic distortion) or ... you can trust your ears and go with what sounds best to you (and works with your budget). Keep 'em spinning!
I want to get a tube amp. My problem is i have vintage Sansui speakers that have spliced wires to run into the back of my receiver which have those slots for the spliced wires. I don't want to buy new speakers just to use a phono pre amp but i don' t think there is any option for my archaic 1990's setup with the exception of my turntable.
If I already have a pre amp on my turntable but I am not happy with the sound volume coming through my Yamaha reciever, can I still use a phono pre amp to boost it? Or should I just buy a better quality turntable?
You might want to try adding a better, stand-alone pre-amp. Just switch off the built-in one in your turntable (switch it from "Line" to "Phono" on the back) and add the stand-alone pre-amp. Hope that helps.
Went through three or more videos before this one. Best explanation on RUclips.
Only person on the net that broke it down super easy to understand
I'm brand new to all of this and been relying on RUclips vids for guidance. I've watched at least a dozen, and yours is by far the easiest, most concise with the right amount of details. Thanks for such a well-explained video perfectly suited for a novice. I now feel confident about ordering a preamp :)
I'm rather new to vinyl and your video was clear and made complete sense to me. I've been looking for a video that actually told me what a preamp did. Thanks!
Clearly explained and after watching this video I'm thinking of getting a turntable now, I'm currently enjoying my CDs with my blueray player to an external DAC going to my integrated amplifier.
Thank you! Easy explanation. I have a vintage turntable that had hardly any sound when connected to a receiver. Now I know I need a preamp.
Great explanation of the pre-amp. Thank you.
Thanks for the help, now I know that I needed a pre-amplifier. Great video.
Just the info I was looking for...Thanks!
Very clear explanation ❤
I would have loved to hear it, with and without the preamp. Thanks for great information!
Wow! Easily explained and worked like a charm. Kudos To Deaf Man Vinyl!
Thanks a lot!
Hey congratulations for your channel. Got precious information. I have Rega Planar 1 turntable. Denon AVR-X1400H , Behringer micro phono PP400 preamp. Also Denon DR-M12HX tape deck.
The thing is that I play tape deck on 35-40 volume and turnable on 65+ for proper listening.
An educated video-- simple- to the point- and crispy. Thanks. Love from Bangladesh.
very good explanation. Thanks!
That was great info!
Very informative - and nicely presented! 👍
You rule. Great channel name. Deaf man hahaha! Your videos are awesome.
Thank you for the very helpful information.
Hes great.
Thanks, wasn't long, it was excellent, good one DeafMan.
Glad you enjoyed it
Mate. Liked your opinion. Clear and precise.
What more can I say. Tq
Great content! 👏🏻
It goes a bit beyond just being a preamp that boosts the weak turntable signal. The records were recorded with an RIAA curve, which tapers off the low end so the grooves in the record aren't too deep and make the stylus jump out of the groove. The phono preamp (found in the '70s and 80"s receivers) compensates for this and boosts the low end back to its normal level.
Hey Christoper! Thanks for adding to the conversation. This topic can get deep fast. There are a ton of factors that go into both making a great-sounding record (e.g., good mastering) - and then getting that great-sounding record to sound great through your audio system. Keep 'em spinning!
Absolutely. Gain alone without RIAA will give a tiny, bass-less & gutless sound with very overly bright treble. RIAA is the difficult bit to get right & sound good in phono-circuits while extra gain alone is plain easy. There were 3 or 4 different curves over the years. Columbia, Decca FFRR & at least another & the later RIAA curve with a turnover frequency of 1000 Hz, where phono-stage will boosted below & quelled above that frequency, the inverse of RIAA of the master stamper disc recording
@@thespotlightkid1011 🙄🤔🥴😖😱 ouch !
Watched all your vids. Very helpful thank you 😊
Glad you like them! Keep 'em spinning!
Clear and simple! Perfect now i know exactly what i will need! Thankyou
Glad it was helpful!
@DeafManVinyl my AudioTechnica LP60X has an inbuilt preamp but it's a hum magnet , would it be better to purchase a better external preamp for it ?? It's running through an AV receiver on phono right now with a very faint hum when it's not playing a record
This is great info as I was having issues. Thanks man
Glad it helped
Info was great.
Dan, I'm stuck on a turntable setup that I hope you can provide guidance: Technic 1200 turntable going through a Line input of a Rane TTM56 mixer console and finally to a pair of Mackie CR3 powered monitors. The setup requires me to turn the mixer master volume up all the way up and speaker volume much higher than if I were running music via Bluetooth from a mobile device. Should I be using a preamp from the mixer to the powered monitors in the Line out configuration?
Dude! Dude!! I have the exact same turntable and a YAMAHA RX-A880. I've been buying old vinyl at garage sales and some of them are really low, I have to crank the volume to get it bump a bit. When I play "Sada" from around 1988 it comes out with a little less gain. I thought maybe this was normal from back in the day, but you educated me on the truth. I guess I'll start my cheap preamps preamps search again. Great video👍🏾👍🏾
I have a jvc ql-y55f turntable with a shure v cartridge does it have a built in preamp? I don't think it does and I would like to use it on my newer denon avr. I would probably need a preamp right?
I just ran across your channel I really enjoy it .
Thanks on all the great videos 😀
could I use my portable stereo as a pre amp? Turntable to line in, and headphone jack to home theater? Just curious. I know you would need to keep the volume low.
Hi. congratulations on the videos. (Brazilian in the area) with modest system: at-pl120 and denon 600ne (pma + dcd), Bookshelf Klipsch R-15m. in order to improve the sound and add an equalizer. which would indicate preamp phono ? and equalizer? Thanks in advance!
Thank u for the great info.
Any time!
You definitely fit the “cool Dad” description :-)
I try!
I bought a modern turntable about a year ago (Rega P2) and have a modern-ish receiver (Denon X4700H) that DID have a phono input. The gain was so week I had to crank the volume and ended up getting the Rega Fono MM mk5 - Gamechanger!
awesome!
This helped - thank you very much. My set up is almost sacrilege - I have two Rega turntables - one ten years old, RP1 - and today, a new Planar Plus - mixing through a Radio Shack (!) mixer/fader - yikes. And the new Rega sounds great using Line 2 port. Thanks again....
You're welcome!
Thank you good Sir.
Many years ago, I had a nice turntable with receiver given to me as a present. Can't even remember the brand of the turn table but was likely a Japanese make (probably 1980s vintage or possibly early 90s.) The receiver would have had a built in preamp. I had a great time playing records on this setup but then later on, the turn table wasn't used for a long period of time (may have been a few months or half a year, possibly even a whole year - I can't recall exactly.) After that long period of inactivity, I decided to play a record and the audio quality had dropped significantly. It sounded awful. It was very off putting and I never used it again. Would you have any theories as to what would have caused the sound to go bad? I doubt that anything had worn down like the needle because it had not been used. Obviously, things wear down when they're being used (especially regular usage.) Clearly, that wasn't the case here. Later on when my family and I moved house, I may have thrown the turn table out but I can't recall if that was really the case or not. I hope I didn't. That would have been regretful if I did. But since it had a problem with the sound, I didn't know how much trouble (or money) it would take to get it fixed.
In more recent years, Ive had some interest in getting another turn table and playing records again. And I like peoples recommendations of getting older good quality turn tables from the well known Japanese companies of the 1970s / 1980s rather than the brand new Chinese made entry level models. However, at the same time, I do have my reservations about buying a second hand turn table due to my experiences with my last one. Some of these old turn tables may have been sitting around unused for a very long time and may have developed the same poor quality sound that my TT did (or perhaps that's me being paranoid.) Is this a common thing at all for turn tables to develop poor sound after not being used for a long time or was I just unlucky?
I have a Reader's Digest receiver +8track . And I have a nice 8track tape collection.
I'd like to see you explain how that operates to the people, lol
Hi man love the videos great context easily explained . I have been experiencing a hum with my Rega 2 turntable ever since i fitted a Technics green cartridge . I have been struggling with retracing and rewire-ring the cartage with no effect. The big problem is that the Rega has not got a earth . there are many tips saying to link a earth wire to the red phono and connect it to the earth on the amp . No luck. I PURCHASED A REGA MM Mk3 pre-amp witch makes it worst .Have you got any tips. Many thanks Gerald
Wow. You've done everything I would have done. Connections at the cartridge are clean and tight?
I have an Htr58350 home theater system which came with sharp rp 4500 turntable. How do I connect them. Do I need a preamp
I have a RELOOP RP2000M Pro Quartz Direct Drive Turntable, and I bought a RELOOP IPHONO 2 / ULTRA PORTABLE PHONO/LINE USB RECORDING INTERFACE.
When I connect those into my laptop via (USB), and using Audacity, I can see the recording level moving, when I record a vinyl, but I can't hear anything thru my headphones. I have tried different headphones, and nothing. I do hear other noises from the computer, but again, no sound from the record.
I recorded the vinyl, and when I played on the computer it was recorded fine, but without listening to it, when it's being recorded, it makes it difficult to calibrate the sound and volume.
Any suggesting how to fix this?
Much appreciated.
Nice video... Even though I knew it, I stuck around to the end for the lesson. Question is, Is there an advantage to get an external phono pre-amp versus the built in? So many brands make them and I wonder if Audiophiles ever pick their own phono pre-amps instead of relying on the built in pre-amps in modern turntables and receivers.
Hey Fabio - Yes, an audiophile would almost always use a separate phono pre-amp. High-end turntables typically do not come with a built-in one. Even a fairly low-end external pre-amp is going to be built better and with better components than the tiny one they have to cram into a modern turntable. It's an inexpensive upgrade. You can find plenty of solid pre-amps for $199 or less. I have a NAD pre-amp and love it.
@@DeafManVinyl Thanks for replying. Cheers!
My turntable has a preamp and my receiver has a phono input. If i use a standalone preamp, which receiver input does it go into? Aux, pc, ?
Also, should my switch on turntable be on phono or line?
Thanks
Great video. Am I weird? I like to listen to my vinyl using my six speaker surround sound? I have a Audio Technica AT-LP240 USB turntable that I have been using and it is great! I have been using the built in preamp but I am thinking about using the bypass phono switch and getting a project Phono Box. I currently have a Yamaha RX-V765 receiver that has been wonderful. I have an all Klipsch speaker system. I just replaced the Sub with the SPL-120 and the two floor speakers with the RP8000F's. Do you think I will notice much difference if I choose to make this switch? I would greatly appreciate your input. The current system is good but I do have to turn the volume up more to get the desired results. I also have to remember to turn it down before I watch the TV or a movie. Thanks so much!
Yeah, man. An all-Klipsch system def deserves a decent pre-amp! I think your ears will be happy!
Thank you
I have the same Audio tech TT and a yamaha rx-v800 with a phono jack, but when i play a album, i have to crank up the volume . is this normal with this model? I never had a issue with my other yamaha receiver
so can i use a subwoofer amp as a preamp for a turntable
Thanks for the video - beginner here. My wife bought me a $99 turntable with pre-amp included. I am happy with sound, my question is how to get sound to the next level? Best to buy a high end turntable or high end phono pre-amp? Or a better stylus -cartridge. Thank you.
Yes! The problem with a $99 turntable is that it usually doesn't have a removable cartridge (the stylus is the only thing you can replace). The cartridge is the sound-producing part of the turntable, so better cartridge = better sound. Something like this Audiotechnica would be a good step up for you, turntable and cartridge-wise: www.audio-technica.com/en-us/turntables/best-for/step-up-models/at-lp120xbt-usb. Music Hall makes a nice turntable too. You can get a ton for your money in the $199-$299 range. I would go there before pumping money into anything else, such as a pre-amp. Keep em' spinning!
Bear in mind that you do not need a receiver with a vintage turntable, pretty much every amp from the 20th century had a built in pre amp. My old Audiolab 8000A was chosen for its pre amp stage and it still sounds sweet 25 years later coupled up to my even older Linn LP12.
8000A had a gr8 phono stage too. When Audiolab later bought out the newer 8000S integrated, they made it line-level only & simultaneously bought out the new 8000P phone-stage which was £799 alone way back in late 80's, guess they thought vinyl was on the way out & only wealthy folk with very good t/tables will want to keep it up. Which was right in that CDs only bettered cheaper rack-system t/tables. While a well armed Thorens, Linn or Ariston, etc etc floored CD. I know from experience. Bet you wont get any CD player today sounding as good & emotionally involving as that 8000A with Linn Sondek & a properly aligned cartridge, i het that still trounces any new CD player with fancy £2000 seperate DACs. Ive given-up on CD.s in the same year i fell for the new hype & bought one. My CD's get left in the car mostly, i have a good 17'kg Sony 557ESD CD player but Vinyl urinates all over it with same recordings on same system, with
real musical emotional involvment that sterile CD sound can't get near to imo.
@@thespotlightkid1011 Well put and you are exactly right, I`ve yet to hear any digital format that is as sweet, detailed and involving as my old LP12 through my 8000a and my Tannoy speakers.
Just found your channel. Subbed. A few years ago I bought a refurbished Marantz 2252B receiver (this was a dream when I was in my teens and 20s but couldn't afford it). The thing is amazing. I bought a Fluance turntable shortly after and have been reliving my youth via my 40-50 year old records. They sound good but I've been wondering lately if I could get even better sound using a pre-amp and bypassing the phone inputs on the receiver. What do you think? And if so, where the heck would I plug it into the receiver? The aux input? Thanks again for good content.
Man, you are living the dream! That sounds like a hot set-up. Don't know the particular specs on that Marantz, but most guys that are seriously into audio run things through a separate phone stage (pre-amp). I have a cheapie little NAD pre-amp that I use on one of my systems, and it does the trick.
@@DeafManVinyl LOL thanks. Yeah I just said the hell with it and pulled all the old lp's out, bought a diy ultrasonic cleaner thing and dished out for the receiver on ebay. Thought it was steep a few years back when I paid just under $500 but now I see some going for almost $1000! I actually got a cheap pre-amp delivered a couple days ago, hooked it up to the aux input on the Marantz and it sounds good.
Very interesting video but i Ve a question. If i Ve a modern turntable as audiotechnica lp5x with a switch phono / line on the back. And i Ve a modern ampli as a Cambridge audio ax100d with a phono out. I connect using the switch on the phono side on the turntable inside the phono out of the amp. I want my vinyl sound Better. I buy a preamp. I put It between the turntable and the amp using Always the switch phono. The sound i obtain is Better using the preamp or Is not useful? I do not Ve a preamp now. I can only notice that simetimes i Need do go up with the volume on the amp. I can t do a test by myself. I do not know if It s clear. I Ve new turntable and new amp with phono out. There Is an improvement in the sound quality with a preamp? Using a preamp i Ve Always to mantain the same phono setting at the bottom and connect on the phono in in the amp or i Need ti use an aux line? Thanks
Just what I needed. Looks like I have that same turntable, Technics SL-B20. Slight problem with mine. Any ideas on how to fix it? The arm isn’t lifting all the way and it will drag across the vinyl as it auto returns. It has something to do with the black lift mechanism. The cueing works sort of. If off the record, it lifts up and down but it’s way off and drops to low. I have to run it with cueing up, which is why it drags on the return. Anyway to adjust/fix this?
If you send me your e-mail, I'll send you the Service Manual for the SL-B20. Deafmanvinyl@gmail.com Thinking the lift mechanism may need some lube (super light oil, aka "sewing machine oil").
I saw 2 orbs of faint light in the top right corner of the screen. 1 goes towards the corner at 2':33" in, & the 2'nd one appears 2 or 3 seconds later in the same are but travelling into view at a different direction, maybe it's the same one after it first dissapears off screen for a couple of seconds. They're not a bug or insect but classic soft-light orbs. Maybe it's an old haunted part of the building, esp' if you record the vid around 3 - 4 a.m. when you're most likely to see them. If your cam' always produces these appearing from nowhere & moving through the air, It could be a camera glitch. (that's what most folk prefer to think)
Deaf Man - does it make sense to add an external preamp to my AudioTechnica turntable that already has a built-in preamp? I've read that you can, I've also read, "what's the point' articles. I know the built-in preamps are much smaller than the externals and probably made cheaper.
It really depends. If you are getting solid sound and rocking the windows with your current setup, then go with what ya got. In general, an external pre-amp is going to be better engineered, have better components and generate a better signal/sound than an internal pre-amp, which by its nature is a small, fairly low-end add-on to the turntable. But if you're more into enjoying your music than sweating out tech specs, you should be fine with the built-in.
I got the same audio technica and purchased preamp speakers klipsch r51pm. Question, select phono on speakers and line on the turntable? Thanks
Wow, I had not checked those Klipsch out. How do they sound? (I'm sure you figured the phono/line question out).
I have hooked up my TT to an integrated amplifier and it plays well. If I hook up a preamp between the TT and the preamp, will it improve the sound much more?
That won't work. The integrated amp already has the pre-amp built in. You can't add a pre-amp on top of a pre-amp.
I thought it might be confusing (for those knowing little on the t/t signal's topic) by using the word pre-amp to describe what you need to run a vintage deck without an in-built phono-stage. When they need a "pre-amp with phono stage" or just a "phono-stage" for an integrated or pre-amp with line-level only inputs. If they just hear they need a pre-amp to run an vintage t/table without inbuilt phono-stage, then buying any "pre-amp" will be no use unless it has a phono inout, and since the late 80's & certainly by the yr 2000, pre-amps & integrated amps have practically all been line-only i.e. no phono-stage in them. Vintage pre-amps pre late 80's do have phono-stages but after CD in 1983'ish, phono-stages in pre-amps & integrated amps gradually began to increasingly dissapear fast & by 1990 to 2000, they were nearly all gone, hence no good for vintage turntable. Phono is the key word, it used to be "Gram" (in 5'pin din plug days) before "phono" word took over. If someone came into my shop & said they wanted a pre-amp, i'd ask what they intend to run through it as only the s/h pre late 1980's vintage pre-amps have phono inputs, mostly, but few exceptions
Hello, I have a question. I have a vintage pioneer turntable from the 80s, and currently a pair of edifier power speakers. Do I need both a receiver with a phono output and also a preamp to make my set up work? Thank you.
So, all that's missing from the equation is a pre-amp. The Pioneer most probably doesn't have one built in like today's modern turntables, and the Edifier needs a line-level signal to work (a phono signal that has been amplified by the pre-amp). You can get a decent pre-amp for under $169. Plug the turntable to the In and the speakers to the Out and you're ready to rock!
Does anyone know what preamp is he holding?
So if I have a turntable with a pre amp, can I just hook it up to an unused slot on my reciver (that doesn’t have phono) and switch my turntable to line for it to work or do I need to get something?
Sorry to be so late getting back to you. Wound up with a case of Covid. Yes, what you are describing should work. Switch to Line to get the internal pre-amp working and then plug the RCA cable into an unused slot (CD would definitely work). Good luck!
Am a beginner i have been looking for a nice strong sound receiver and speakers! What you recomend! Thanks
Hey Willy - A good way to go these days is with a turntable and powered speakers. Because the powered speakers already have amplification built in, you can skip the receiver (which is actually an integrated amplifier). You just need a turntable with a built in pre-amp. Here's a pretty decent turntable/powered speaker combo: www.turntablelab.com/products/audio-technica-at-lp120x-usb-turntable-audioengine-a2-speakers-package-1
Or you can upgrade to an external pre-amp, which will usually be built better and feature better components. Good luck!
Great Video! I have a question. I recently acquired A LOT of vintage vinyl (ie Rubber Soul....original release.....stuff I played on an old Lloyds stereo my parents had) while cleaning out my parents' house. I acquired a Kenwood KD-291R for free. I bought a new stylus and belt and will order a preamp. This Kenwood does not have an external ground post. Will I be OK without a ground wire from the turntable to the preamp? Power is on one side of the turntable and the line out is the opposite side. I'm truly confused by this. I've done a good amount of searching and am not finding an answer so far. I love music and am looking forward t playing some vinyl!
Hey Charles - you might be ok without a ground (many later-model tables didn't come with a ground wire). I'd just hook it up and see (with volume turned down). Not going to "blow up"anything by testing it that way. The pre-amp may very well have a ground, which you can connect to the receiver and accomplish what you need. Good luck!
@@DeafManVinyl Thank you! I have my preamp and just ordered a carbon fiber brush and sleeves from the website. Looking forward to working on my re-connection with vinyl. I used to but albums at my local Tower Records.....the hangout spot for the marching band after football games. Unfortunately, albums like Pyromania and Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind were stolen but at least I have some cool stuff to test out like Vh - 1984 and Rubber Soul.
@@DeafManVinyl Thank you! I picked up some cleaning and storage supplies from your site last night. I look forward to getting back on track with this stuff.
Thx for the video. I have a vintage '76 Technics SL2000 turntable hooked up to a more modern Harman/Kardon receiver (date unknown). The receiver does have a phono input but the output volume is still lower than playing CDs (approx. 25% less). I just upgraded the cart & stylus as part of the troubleshooting. Would an external pre amp still be beneficial? Cheers
Yes, my guess is that the old turntable doesn't have a built-in pre-amp, and the modern receiver doesn't have one either. In the old days, receivers had both a pre-amp and amp built in (technically, they were called an "integrated amplifier"). So, the audio signal from the SL2000 is not getting amplified properly. You should be able to find a solid stand-alone pre-amp that doesn't bust the bank. Check these out: www.crutchfield.com/S-oG73QVoGHPR/shopsearch/phono_preamp.html?XVINQ=GW0&XVVer=P08&awcp=&awcr=309959348288&awdv=c&awkw=phono%20preamp&awmt=p&awnw=g&awug=9011283&gclid=Cj0KCQiAuvOPBhDXARIsAKzLQ8EbRYZjMvSmFIPWOtgsi25AEcOlgiAGRtxAWdqOHtdkk0QRAtFOXhQaAjuqEALw_wcB
if your HK receiver has a phono input - and you are using that input- do not add another outboard phono stage. The amount of gain that build-in phono stages have varies, as does the output from the phono cartridge. just turn the volume knob a bit higher and you are good. it is possible that your cartridge is a MC design, and these have a much lower output. there are exceptions to this as well. there is a reply by another person here and they get into more detail about the RIAA curve used in recording.
check for a switch on the back or side of the turntable. Switch it.
My turntable has a preamp built in if I was to get a external one would it improve the sound?
Hay Andree - Yes, you could get better sound with a decent external preamp. Internal ones (built into the turntable) generally use cheaper components and have to be stripped down to fit inside the player. I have a low-cost external NAD pre-amp, and it does the trick nicely. That said, two -pre-amps don't make it sound twice as good (in fact, it will sound twice as bad!). You'll have to switch off the turntable's internal pre-amp first (there should be a switch on the back). That one on top of an external pre-amp will only create a god-awful, incredibly distorted sound. Good luck.
Even though I have a receiver with a phono line is there anything to be gained by running my TT, that does not have a line switch through a pre amp and then into the phono line?
This video isn't the best source for information, Quite a bit of relevant information was left out. When you connect a TT to any audio system, you use 2 preamps. Your TT connects to your phono preamp. The output on the phono preamp puts out a line level signal. That means you don't connect it to your receiver's phono input. If you do that, you end up running the signal through 2 phono preamps. You need to connect it to a line level input on your receivers preamp. So its, phono preamp first, line level preamp second.
There's one thing I want to clarify regarding my statement on using 2 preamps. You always use 2 (phono and line level), but they may be in different locations. When you plug your TT into the phono input on your receiver, both preamps are located inside it. Or, you can use an external phono pre outside of your receiver. It doesn't matter where the preamps are located. The signal flow is exactly the same either way you do it.
Hey Def man do u recommend an external preamp if my turntable already has a built in pre amp. I have the audio technica AT LP 120. Thanks.
Sorry for the late reply, Matt. Yes, you could switch off the LP 120's built-in pre-amp and add an external/upgraded one. For what it's worth, I get pretty solid sound from my 120 using the stock pre-amp.
@@DeafManVinyl so should I switch the back switch to phono or keep it I. The Line position. Thanks again.
Just bought a Sony TT. I hate it. Sounds poor. No punch, low bass. Tried receiver (Sony) preamp, built-in, and powered speakers preamp. None sound very good to me. Fixed cartridge so i'm stuck there. Would a preamp possibly help? I'll be on retirement income soon and would rather not spend big for a TT. Just want great sound to play my old vinyl in retirement! Thank you.
Is there any benefit to plug a turntable with built in pre-amp to a stand alone pre-amp into a yamaha avr with a phono pre amp?
You've got to be careful here. You can't have what is essentially 2 pre-amps working at the same time. So, you can switch off the built-in-preamp in your turntable (switch it from Line to Phono) and then wire it directly into a receiver with a built-in pre-amp (i.e., an "integrated receiver"). Or, wire it to a stand-alone pre-amp and then to an "aux" input on your Yamaha (you don't want to connect it to Phono, because you will have two pre-amp, which results in a distorted signal). Good luck!
So i plugged the 2012 pioneer PL990 into the 1996 Pioneer VSX-305 in the phono. It was quiet. I then tried the VCR input and works fine.
The 1970s Lloyds H701 plugged in Was loud enough in the phono but i cant seem to adjust its turntable speed down as its doing 34 rpm.
Why would the 1970s unit be loud enough but the modern 2012 unit be quiet in the same phono plug? Did some of the old turn tables have a preamp?.
Man, I'm not exactly sure what's going on there. Lloyds was a pretty low-end table, and I'm pretty sure it doesn't have a pre-amp. But the PL990 does have one and should have sounded fine coming through that receiver. My guess is that there's a switch on the back of the PL990. Should say Phono/Line. You want it on Line, which kicks the pre-amp on. Good luck!
@@DeafManVinyl any idea what the switch would look like. ? I dont have an owners manual as i bought it used - a couple previous owners now.
I am looking at getting a AT-LP3 turntable...so it has the amp built in. So do I need powered speakers or passive speakers? Im not interested in bluetooth. Thanks.
Powered speakers will work straight from the AT-LP3 with the built-in phono pre-amp switched on. You can direct-wire straight to the speakers if you don't want to mess with BT. To power passive speakers, you'll need to run the LP3 through an amplifier or receiver first, typically with the turntable's built-in pre-amp switched off. What we call "receivers" are really integrated amplifiers - they have a phono pre-amp and amp integrated into a single unit, so do not need the turntable's pre-amp (you will get a godawful, overamplified squall if you add a pre-amp to a pre-amp). Keep 'em spinning!
I got a question, I have a turntable without a pre-amplifier so obviously when I connect it to my active speakers the sound is horrible. I was wondering what would happen if I where to connect my turntable to a pre-amplifier, and that pre-amplifier to my active speakers. Do I still need a receiver to get good quality sound or will the setup, turntable > pre-amplifier > active speakers, work?
Sorry to be so late getting back to you (I freakin' got Covid!@). You've probably figured it out, but yes, what you described is exactly what you need to do to make that turntable work with powered speakers. Add a basic external pre-amp, plug it all into those powered speakers, and let it rock. The powered speakers basically take the place of a receiver. Keep 'em spinning!
@@DeafManVinyl Thanks for your reply, hope you are doing better. I found a good pre-amp and been listening to my vinyl’s again. I hope to see more from you in the future your video’s ROCK!
@deafmanvinyl what preamp are you using in this video?
Man. I think I've gotten rid of that one, so I'm not 100 percent sure. But I'm thinking it was one by NAD, which has some nice, budget-friendly ones.
So I have a Denon AVR -1100 which has a Phono Stage. Problem is it sounds like crap. Can I still hookup a pre-amp between my Denon and turntable? Or maybe once I have a preamp i don't even care about the Phono Stage of my Denon?
So, you can't add another (external) pre-amp on top of the receiver's built-in phono stage. You'll just get a distorted signal. You can however add an external pre-amp and use another input (try plugging it into an unused CD or AUX port). Hope that helps.
I have an audio technica lp60 with built in per amp but I want to listen to it on my headphones. Do I just need a phono amp?
Theoretically, you can plug the headphones into the jack on the LP60 and listen away. The challenge is that you will have no control over the volume. There's no way to adjust it on the turntable. To be able to do that, you need to run it through some sort of amplifier, which will have a volume control on it. You then plug into the headphone jack on the amplifier. There are actually headphone amplifiers, which I don't really know much about. You could also look for an inexpensive receiver/amplifier at a thrift store, and that would do the trick. If you're just using it to power the headphones, I'd throw $30-$40 bucks at it and call it a day. Here's a good article on the subject from Audio Technica: www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/audio-solutions-question-of-the-week-can-i-use-headphones-to-listen-directly-to-my-audio-technica-turntable/ Keep 'em spinning!
What preamp would you suggest … the one you showed was around $100 ..what brand is that ? Thanks
Suggest you go on a site like Crutchfield and do a little research (they're a solid company). You def can get a decent, name-brand pre-amp in the $100-$169 range. Good luck!
Hey Deaf Man very informative content. My question is I have a newer audio technica atlp3 turntable I'm running through a pair of Mackie cr8 xbt studio monitors with a built in amp that states its capable of running 160w. I run it on line with the cheaper hardwired rca cable into an rca adapter and the high end mogami rca into the rca input on the powered speaker. Surprisingly the overall volume output is not what I was hoping for or expecting 😕 any tips on how to increase overall volume or maximize the power amp. 🤔 I was considering an additional power amp but don't want to overload the system. Save scrapping the powered studio monitors and buying passive with a much more powerful amp, What are my options? Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated 🙏 Thanks so much Steve
So all the vintage receivers say from the 70's have built in pre amps through the Phono inputs?
Yep. What you and I call a receiver is more accurately an "integrated amplifier." It has a pre-amp and amplifier all built in (integrated). The "receiver" part refers to receiving the AM/FM signal (remember the days of terrestrial radio!?).
@@DeafManVinyl Thank you for letting me know, I hope you and your family have a great Christmas and stay safe
Yes but there are amped for MM cartages. If your a running a MC then you will need a preamp for a MC
Would anybody be able to tell me if my vintage longines symphonette receiver would probably have a built-in preamp. Thanks for the video
And I should have mentioned too... its model number LMR2400
Man, I don't know a ton about these. My guess is that it's an "integrated" amp with the pre-amp and amp combined in one unit. At the very least, a modern turntable like at Audiotechnica should work on it, as it has a built-in pre-amp.
Would I benefit from an external preamp even though my receiver is already equipped with one?
You might not notice a difference unless you're a budding audiophile. I have plenty of vintage "integrated" amp/receivers that I use and love. But yes, a quality external pre-amp coupled with a quality amp is going to sound better. How much better is a pretty subjective call.
Hi my turntable is plugged in to the phono on my amp but I'm getting no sound and I've tried plugging it elsewhere and it sounds very low when I play my viynl I've checked my cartridge and that's fine
Sounds like there's a pre-amp missing in the equation. If your amp isn't an integrated amp (one with both a pre-amp and amp built in) you'll need a turntable with one built in (there will be a switch in the back that says LINE or PHONO). Or, you'll need to add a stand-alone pre-amp between the turntable and amp.What model turntable and amp do you have?
will i be able to hear my music without a preamp or speakers and just the turntable?
it’s an audio technica lp120
@@charo5774 Nice turntable! This one has a built-in pre-amp, so you can go directly to a set of powered speakers (the kind you plug in to an outlet). They will further amplify the signal coming out of your turntable, and you'll be ready to rock. Just remember to switch it from "phono" to "line" in the back. That will use the internal pre-amp. Big picture, a turntable's job is to spin the record. It doesn't really produce audible sound (you need speakers for that.) Just use the RCA cables (the red and white cables that come with the turntable) to connect to your speakers. You can also use the USB cable to hook it to your computer if you're going to convert vinyl to digital. Good luck, and Keep 'em Spinning!
I have a receiver amp with no phono amp connection. What would give me a better sound 1) buying an external phono amp and plugging into my receiver or 2) buying an amp around 1000 with a built in phono amp. Any help would be appreciated
Hey Mark - On a more modern receiver with no phono input, you can as you note typically use an unused slot on the back (aux or even CD). Just need to make sure the signal coming from the turntable is a line-level one. If the turntable has a built-in pre-amp (most modern ones do) you must make sure the switch on the back is switched to "LINE." In the absence of a built-in pre-amp, you can buy a stand-alone one and go that way, which should give you more robust sound. As far as buying a $1,000 integrated amp, that's a pretty serious investment. The are plenty of great ones in the $399-$599 range, which is more my price range! See: www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/integrated_amplifiers.html?&pg=2. Personally, I'm partial to vintage '70s receivers (Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz), which were purpose-built for a phone signal, although they can be tough to keep running. Good luck!
@@DeafManVinyl Thanks for your advice my budget is probably the same as yours in all honesty 😂thanks again
Are all amplifiers with a phono output the same or could they change the sound of a record?
No, there are plenty of differences between receivers/amps. An easy one is the output (watts). My vintage 60 watt Pioneer sounds totally different than my 20 watt one. Tube amps sound different than solid state amps. You can geek out and pore of the technical specs (e.g., harmonic distortion) or ... you can trust your ears and go with what sounds best to you (and works with your budget). Keep 'em spinning!
I want to get a tube amp. My problem is i have vintage Sansui speakers that have spliced wires to run into the back of my receiver which have those slots for the spliced wires. I don't want to buy new speakers just to use a phono pre amp but i don' t think there is any option for my archaic 1990's setup with the exception of my turntable.
You did not say anything about the RIAA curve
If I already have a pre amp on my turntable but I am not happy with the sound volume coming through my Yamaha reciever, can I still use a phono pre amp to boost it? Or should I just buy a better quality turntable?
You might want to try adding a better, stand-alone pre-amp. Just switch off the built-in one in your turntable (switch it from "Line" to "Phono" on the back) and add the stand-alone pre-amp. Hope that helps.