Mixing Audio Eras

[TheStarman88]

I have a early to mid seventies pioneer pl-15 II turntable is it okay to hook it up to a preamp from the early nineties? Thanks.

 

[spark1]

Yes, assuming it has phono inputs. Or yes, if you are talking about a phono preamp.

 

[TheStarman88]

Thanks

 

[swechsler]

Standards for input/output levels and voltages have pretty much remained constant since the dawn of high fidelity. The only difference is with professional equipment that usually uses balanced signals, and they can be fairly easily converted.

 

[TheStarman88]

Thanks On another note do you have any suggestions for a vintage budget pre amp in the 50-100 range?

 

[spark1]

What will you be using as a power amp?

 

[TheStarman88]

A Denon DRA-635R.

 

[beardsley]

A Denon DRA-635R.

This model is a receiver, it already has everything you need including a phono preamp, if that's what you mean by pre amp. None is needed.

 

[spark1]

That is a receiver, with a built-in phono amp.

So, in one box you have a phono preamp for connecting a turntable, a preamp (for volume control, tone control, source selection, etc), a tuner, and a power amp (to drive your speakers).

If you plan to use it with a separate phono preamp (instead of using its built-in phono amp), the separate phonoamp should be connected to any input jacks OTHER THAN phono.

 

[pch300]

I have a early to mid seventies pioneer pl-15 II turntable is it okay to hook it up to a preamp from the early nineties? Thanks.

In those days, the likely cartridge is a magnetic cartridge. If so, the phono inputs on receivers and pre-amps have the correct RIAA equalization for magnetic cartridges. Just check the cartridge brand and model, to be sure.

Or, if you've already hooked it up and it sounds fine, then no checking is needed. You'll really know if it's not sounding right.

 

[spark1]

I read this thread again, and wonder if there is some confusion.

Starman, you asked if an older TT can be used with a 90s preamp. Then you say that you will be using a Denon receiver

Why are you asking about a preamp? What problem are you trying to solve?

 

[SpruceMoose]

As long as the electrical requirements for each component are met by the other components in the chain, there shouldn’t be a problem. For instance: I’m running either a Dual turntable from the late ‘70’s, or the output of a six year old tv, or an iPad/iPhone into a set of 1960 Dynaco tube components. All feeding a pair of mid-‘70’s ESS speakers. And, not that it matters, but all the Dynaco stuff and the turntable are housed in a 101-year old Edison gramophone cabinet. And it sounds great, no matter which source I use.

 

[AudioFeline]

I think it is good to mix and match equipment from different eras to get the best sound you are looking for. Just make sure the vintage equipment is safe to use.