Complete Beginner Assembles Setup (With Your Help!)

[Dandruffian]

Hello AK,

After a fruitful day of yard sale searching, I have found the following components:

Yamaha P-220 Record Player
Yamaha Stereo Casette Deck K-520
Kenwood Graphic Equalizer with Reverberation Amplifier (GE-75)
And what I believe are 2 Dynaco A-25 speakers.

I have tested these items on my basic Walmart speakers, but am only able to hear the record player when it is directly connected to the speakers, and not through the equalizer-amplifier.

All Items power up, and appear to work; the cassette player spins the tape and the timer activates, but even when connected directly into the speakers, no sound is produced.

I tried connecting the record player to the equalizer-amplifier with "line in" and connecting the equalizer-amplifier to the speakers with "line out," but no sound was produced.

Is it because I'm missing a true amplifier?

All items use VCA cables (minus the speakers, which of course require speaker wire).

Here are pictures of all components:

 

[olddude55]

You're missing some pieces. You need a stereo integrated amplifier or stereo receiver with inputs for a phono cartridge. The amp will take an electronic signal coming from the turntable and turn it into power than will make the speakers play.
I'm guessing your WalMart speakers have their own internal amplifier, that's why you're hearing the turntable when you use them.
The Kenwood equalizer doesn't produce the kind of signal that speakers can use. Not sure what's up with the cassette deck but I'd advise that you check connections. You want output from the tape deck connected to input on any amplifier. If you have input connected, no joy.
Onkyo makes reasonably priced stereo receivers and amplifiers that have phono inputs. Fifty watts per channel should do nicely with A-25s, which are excellent speakers by the way.

 

[Dandruffian]

Thank you for taking the time to help!

I'd like to use all the equipment I have, so I believe that means I'll need a receiver since I'll have multiple audio inputs. Is that right?

As I understand it, I'd connect the record player and tape deck to the equalizer, the equalizer to the receiver, and the receiver to the speakers. Am I following?

 

[olddude55]

Thank you for taking the time to help!

I'd like to use all the equipment I have, so I believe that means I'll need a receiver since I'll have multiple audio inputs. Is that right?

As I understand it, I'd connect the record player and tape deck to the equalizer, the equalizer to the receiver, and the receiver to the speakers. Am I following?

Receiver or integrated amp. If you want to listen any radio stations, you'll need the receiver. If radio is the total waste it is in my neck of the woods, get the integrated amp.
I've never used an equalizer but I think it goes like this: You connect the turntable to the phono input on the receiver/amp. The equalizer goes through one of the tape loops. You'd connect the tape deck to the inputs and outputs for Tape A, and the equalizer to the inputs and outputs for Tape B.
Then, in order to play music processed by the equalizer, you'd set the receiver/amp so that you're listening to Tape B.

 

[Dandruffian]

Receiver or integrated amp. If you want to listen any radio stations, you'll need the receiver. If radio is the total waste it is in my neck of the woods, get the integrated amp.
I've never used an equalizer but I think it goes like this: You connect the turntable to the phono input on the receiver/amp. The equalizer goes through one of the tape loops. You'd connect the tape deck to the inputs and outputs for Tape A, and the equalizer to the inputs and outputs for Tape B.
Then, in order to play music processed by the equalizer, you'd set the receiver/amp so that you're listening to Tape B.

Okay, the equalizer sounds a little complicated.

I searched for one in the brand you recommended, is this the correct item?
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-814...ay&sprefix=isabelle+smsah,aps,150&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Tiver]

Aside from the stained cloth, the speakers look to be in good shape. You might be able to clean that cloth with something like oxiclean. I have also had great luck with stains on textile using Blue Coral automotive upholstery cleaner. You will want to remove the grills anyway to inspect the drivers. The wood cabinets look like they will clean up like new.

There are a lot of integrated amps and receivers that will work. Have you got a budget in mind? You have gone from a day of garage saling to something a little different as far as how you spend. If you want to buy something from a store or the internet, you will get the most for your money if you buy what you are going to use it for. If it's a music set up and you primarily want music from it, buying a unit that puts it's expense into that gets you more than something that has a bunch of features that aren't important to you.. If you don't listen to radio, might as well go to integrated amp. If you are very casually listening to music and want the home theater experience to be in the forefront, then the unit will have different qualities than a dedicated or primarily music unit.

 

[Dandruffian]

Aside from the stained cloth, the speakers look to be in good shape. You might be able to clean that cloth with something like oxiclean. I have also had great luck with stains on textile using Blue Coral automotive upholstery cleaner. You will want to remove the grills anyway to inspect the drivers. The wood cabinets look like they will clean up like new.

There are a lot of integrated amps and receivers that will work. Have you got a budget in mind? You have gone from a day of garage saling to something a little different as far as how you spend. If you want to buy something from a store or the internet, you will get the most for your money if you buy what you are going to use it for. If it's a music set up and you primarily want music from it, buying a unit that puts it's expense into that gets you more than something that has a bunch of features that aren't important to you.. If you don't listen to radio, might as well go to integrated amp. If you are very casually listening to music and want the home theater experience to be in the forefront, then the unit will have different qualities than a dedicated or primarily music unit.

I took the front of the speakers off to clean them and they do look to be in good shape. I wasn't able to test them when I bought them but they asked a very low price. (I'm not sure if it's gauche to discuss or not in this forum.)
I was planning to use these as a solely music setup. You are definitely right about the difference in price though! Still, I'd rather have a setup that was worth the time and investment.
Receivers seem cheaper than amplifiers, along with their ability to take inputs from multiple devices, and I thought that would be better. Would an amplifier sound better?

 

[olddude55]

Wow. Integrated amps and receivers sure have changed since the last time I used one.
I looked at your Onkyo, only one line out. There's another Onkyo receiver, same power output, less money, the TX-8020, but it only has one tape loop. You'd have to choose between the tape deck or the equalizer.
I've looked at NAD, Onkyo, Harman Kardon...none of them would work with both the tape deck and the equalizer at the same time.
But this Yamaha would.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html

 

[Dandruffian]

Wow. Integrated amps and receivers sure have changed since the last time I used one.
I looked at your Onkyo, only one line out. There's another Onkyo receiver, same power output, less money, the TX-8020, but it only has one tape loop. You'd have to choose between the tape deck or the equalizer.
I've looked at NAD, Onkyo, Harman Kardon...none of them would work with both the tape deck and the equalizer at the same time.
But this Yamaha would.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html

Wow what great recommendations! Thank you again.
I think that it would be unlikely I'd need to use the equalizer on the cassette tapes, so perhaps the TX-8020 would be best.

 

[Tiver]

Now there is a difference between an integrated amp and just an amp. The integrated has all the switching and inputs like a receiver without the radio. An amp needs an input controlling device called a preamp or sometimes a control amp. The receiver puts a radio. preamp, and amp in one box. Integrated is like that without the radio. An amp has no radio or preamp..

The Yamaha @olddude55 suggested is IMO, a pretty nice way to start a system primarily dedicated to music. i like Yamaha products. That unit can also be had from accessories4less, factory refurbished, for a bit less.

I asked about budget because if you are shopping, the choices are quite vast. Many AK members are more than happy to help you spend your money....and sometimes it's pretty fair advice, but it's always your money and keeping a cool head and taking time for a little research will pay back nicely.

 

[Dandruffian]

Now there is a difference between an integrated amp and just an amp. The integrated has all the switching and inputs like a receiver without the radio. An amp needs an input controlling device called a preamp or sometimes a control amp. The receiver puts a radio. preamp, and amp in one box. Integrated is like that without the radio. An amp has no radio or preamp..

The Yamaha @olddude55 suggested is IMO, a pretty nice way to start a system primarily dedicated to music. i like Yamaha products. That unit can also be had from accessories4less, factory refurbished, for a bit less.

I asked about budget because if you are shopping, the choices are quite vast. Many AK members are more than happy to help you spend your money....and sometimes it's pretty fair advice, but it's always your money and keeping a cool head and taking time for a little research will pay back nicely.

Gotcha, budget amounts would narrow down the field, I've heard there's virtually no ceiling on what you can spend once you get into the hobby.
I'm looking in the $150-$250 range.
I was able to scoop up the other items for a total of $43, so I know I'm in for a rude awakening!

 

[Dandruffian]

Wow. Integrated amps and receivers sure have changed since the last time I used one.
I looked at your Onkyo, only one line out. There's another Onkyo receiver, same power output, less money, the TX-8020, but it only has one tape loop. You'd have to choose between the tape deck or the equalizer.
I've looked at NAD, Onkyo, Harman Kardon...none of them would work with both the tape deck and the equalizer at the same time.
But this Yamaha would.
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html

Is this newer model of the 8020 any different?
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8220-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B075P831VY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

 

[olddude55]

Is this newer model of the 8020 any different?
https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8220-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B075P831VY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

Might or might not work. I'd have to go through the manual.
Honestly, I don't think you need that equalizer and considering how old it is, there's a good chance the controls are going to be noisy as hell. The Onkyo receiver has tone controls that do pretty much what an equalizer does anyway, just in bigger chunks.

Here's another Onkyo, less money than the 8220, has a tape loop for your cassette deck and a phono input. Fifty watts per channel.

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-802...020&qid=1559419471&s=electronics&sr=1-3-spell

 

[Dandruffian]

Might or might not work. I'd have to go through the manual.
Honestly, I don't think you need that equalizer and considering how old it is, there's a good chance the controls are going to be noisy as hell. The Onkyo receiver has tone controls that do pretty much what an equalizer does anyway, just in bigger chunks.

Here's another Onkyo, less money than the 8220, has a tape loop for your cassette deck and a phono input. Fifty watts per channel.

https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-802...020&qid=1559419471&s=electronics&sr=1-3-spell

I see, very nice - and pretty cheap too.
Should I aim more for an integrated amplifier as @Tiver mentioned?
On another road, should I get banana plugs or just use the binding posts to use the (hopefully functional) speakers?

 

[olddude55]

I see, very nice - and pretty cheap too.
Should I aim more for an integrated amplifier as @Tiver mentioned?
On another road, should I get banana plugs or just use the binding posts to use the (hopefully functional) speakers?

Binding posts are fine. For $120, might as well get the receiver. If you like sports, you could at least listen to a football game or something.

 

[Dandruffian]

Binding posts are fine. For $120, might as well get the receiver. If you like sports, you could at least listen to a football game or something.

Yes, I'm pretty entry-level. How large is the sound quality difference in say, the 8020 vs. the $300ish Yamaha Integrated Amp?

 

[olddude55]

Yes, I'm pretty entry-level. How large is the sound quality difference in say, the 8020 vs. the $300ish Yamaha Integrated Amp?

I haven't heard either one, unfortunately. Closest I come is, I had the predecessor to the TX -8020 years ago, same 50 watt per channel output, and it was terrific. Took a while to appreciate it because it just did everything well with no flash.
The TX-8020 is well thought of by reviewers. If I was building a basic budget system, it would be my choice for power.
It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Onkyo sounded better than the Yamaha.

 

[Dandruffian]

I haven't heard either one, unfortunately. Closest I come is, I had the predecessor to the TX -8020 years ago, same 50 watt per channel output, and it was terrific. Took a while to appreciate it because it just did everything well with no flash.
The TX-8020 is well thought of by reviewers. If I was building a basic budget system, it would be my choice for power.
It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Onkyo sounded better than the Yamaha.

Well great! Thanks again for all your help, I'll be ordering the 8020 (plus some 16-gauge wire) in a bit!
I read the owners manual of the A-25s and it recommended 18-gauge, but said that 16 or even 14 gauge would work (dependent on distance, I think?). Should I get the thinner one?

 

[olddude55]

Well great! Thanks again for all your help, I'll be ordering the 8020 (plus some 16-gauge wire) in a bit!
I read the owners manual of the A-25s and it recommended 18-gauge, but said that 16 or even 14 gauge would work (dependent on distance, I think?). Should I get the thinner one?

Any one of the three will work fine. Honestly, I can't remember if I'm using 14 or 16 gauge in my own system. I just use stuff I bought at Lowe's.

 

[Dandruffian]

Any one of the three will work fine. Honestly, I can't remember if I'm using 14 or 16 gauge in my own system. I just use stuff I bought at Lowe's.

Wonderful. I'll order those and revisit this thread when I get the components hooked up and working (and/or if I have more questions).
I appreciate your help, have a good one.