I currently have a VPI Scout/Rondo Blue/homebuilt stepup running into the very nice sounding phono stage of my preamp. I have started adding some 78's to my spiral grooved music disk collection. I just ordered a refurbed Dual from Bill Neumann for the purpose of playing them and maybe for spinning some of my older mono's. What do you folks that are running multiple tables do for switching. Input switch boxes or plug/unplug?
Multiple turntables
- Thread starter rwortman
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Neither one. The turntable I use for LPs and 45s plugs into the phono stage of my AVA preamp. The one I use for 78s plugs into a dedicated Scott 121-B mono preamp that has variable rolloff and turnover in its phono stage. The Scott preamp's output connects to a line-level input on the main system preamp. I use a Y-adapter so that the Scott's single channel drives both channels on the AVA.
Not looking to trade my preamp for a receiver with two phono stages. Thought about adding another phono stage but, A, I like how this one sounds and B, I am using all the line level inputs on my preamp. (DAC, Universal disc player, tuner, cable box, CD recorder, tape deck)
Dr Tinear, That sounds like a sweet setup. If I had one of these Scott preamps I could connect it to the external processor loop or even lose the tuner. I never listen to it since I got my Squeezebox years ago anyway.
Dr Tinear, That sounds like a sweet setup. If I had one of these Scott preamps I could connect it to the external processor loop or even lose the tuner. I never listen to it since I got my Squeezebox years ago anyway.
kenvab55
Active Member
My C-28 has twp phono inputs (both mm), I use the phono inputs from 2 other pres one an NAD 116 and a Luxman 114, I also have a NAD PP2, with all that I can play any of 5 tables without plugging or unplugging anything. As I stated in another thread my wife thinks I am crazy for using 5 tables (there are more in reserve).
Dadbar
Super Member
One of my setups has two turntables. I use a Scott 340A receiver that has both a phono input and a tape head input. I converted the tape head input into a second phono input with a very simple rewire of the equalization circuit (it involved soldering in a jumper and snipping one leg of the "PEC" circuit). I have two turntables plugged in - an AR-XA and a Dual 1229. Sometimes I like to "stack."
Hi Neighbor (live one town over from you)...
There are a couple pretty high-quality switch boxes available, such as one from Manley Labs (called maybe the Skipjack?) or a much cheaper one from Mapletree Audio in Canada. Those might be good for you to check out. Cheaper switchboxes will potentially add sources of noise and resistance to a very fragile signal. I'd not recommend them.
Probably the best quality is simply by switching the cables. Has the benefit of keeping the contacts clean, but potentially will wear off the gold plating over time
For myself, I solved the problem of multiple tables (one for mono, one for stereo) via multiple inputs. I've got an Aesthetix Rhea phono stage (suspended from my Target wall shelf with trucker's rubber tie-down straps). That has THREE phono inputs, each of which can be configured on the fly via remote control for gain and load. It's a wonderful preamp, but maybe you're not quite there yet...
Hope this helps.
There are high quality switch boxes that can handle multiple tape decks so they can handle twice the number of turntables:
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/dbx-200x-passive-signal-router-134758429
They also have cheap ones that are used with video equipment (to run a game console with a dvd player for example), but I tried one and it was not so good.
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/dbx-200x-passive-signal-router-134758429
They also have cheap ones that are used with video equipment (to run a game console with a dvd player for example), but I tried one and it was not so good.
I will probably get flamed for this...
As said many receivers and amps have 2 phono inputs (my Pioneer SX 850livingroom and Sa 9100 bedroom) My Marantz 4270 has one. I use a old Radio Shack tape monitor switch box with three inputs. Thought it would hum like hell but it works. Should probably move the 850 to the shop where the Marantz is. Need two inputs there. One for play and one to tests repairs. Not much incentive to move two heavy receivers when all is well. The Marantz will end up in the livingroom. Want to hear it on my JBL L100s and the new small pr of Pioneers instead of a crappy pair of Mirages and an ancient pr of Healthkit two ways. That Marantz sounds good with them. Maybe tomorrow when the Mrs goes out.
Its better that way. No question like: "why are you movong that?" Got to admit the 850 sounds damned good right now as I am listening to it writing this
As said many receivers and amps have 2 phono inputs (my Pioneer SX 850livingroom and Sa 9100 bedroom) My Marantz 4270 has one. I use a old Radio Shack tape monitor switch box with three inputs. Thought it would hum like hell but it works. Should probably move the 850 to the shop where the Marantz is. Need two inputs there. One for play and one to tests repairs. Not much incentive to move two heavy receivers when all is well. The Marantz will end up in the livingroom. Want to hear it on my JBL L100s and the new small pr of Pioneers instead of a crappy pair of Mirages and an ancient pr of Healthkit two ways. That Marantz sounds good with them. Maybe tomorrow when the Mrs goes out.
Its better that way. No question like: "why are you movong that?" Got to admit the 850 sounds damned good right now as I am listening to it writing this
stereofanboy
Addicted Member
I haven't had to deal with this situation yet, but I just picked up a 1229 for 78s and already know what I am going to do about switching back and forth. I'll introduce my Yamaha C-70 preamp into the system as a phono preamp. It has two sets of phono inputs and several cartridge loading choices.
The problem I haven't attacked yet is whether I need a special needle and what needle to get for playing 78s.
The problem I haven't attacked yet is whether I need a special needle and what needle to get for playing 78s.
This. Lose the tuner, get a nice vintage mono preamp with all the eq settings you need, and go crazy!
guystp
Well-Known Member
i just use a separate phono stage for each tt., which is my primary music source. Each phono stage just plugs into 1 of the inputs on my amp. (I have 5) Three phono stage, 1 set for the cd player and one for my Dac. It was more money this way but it allows to play with different phono stages for different types of music. For example, I use a tube phono stage for classical music, and a ss for jazz,rock, blues. Another ss for vocals. It allows for a lot of mixing and matching.
For right now I ordered one of the Rek-O-Kut switch boxes. If/when the 78 collection grows, perhaps I will go down the dedicated phono preamp route or the Re-Equalizer from Rek-O-Kut. I have a nice tubed full function preamp with 5 line inputs, two tape loops and an external processor loop. I really like the phono stage in it. That Aesthetix phono preamp costs more than my preamp/amp combination so I won't be doing that any time soon. Hunting around for a vintage mono preamp sounds like a real possibility.
For a small collection of post WWII 78s, a RIAA phono preamp will give decent results for casual listening. For a larger collection going into the early 20th century, and in the interest of accuracy, a variable EQ preamp is needed.
I currently have two turntables in daily use in my studio, both direct drive Technics capable of 33/45/78 playback with variable pitch control. They're each connected to a Bugle Pro variable EQ preamp and the output of those two preamps go into line level inputs on my amp. A very nice setup and some of the early LPs issued prior to 1954 also benefit from non-RIAA EQ curves.
I've used the Rek-O-Kut, and unless your ears are better than mine, you will never notice it's there. For the longer term, I wonder if you're familiar with the KAB Souvenir EQS MK12 preamp. Two inputs, almost infinitely adjustable, MM/MC, several historic equalization curves built in, mono, etc. I'd love to have one, but $1,725 is a bit rich for me right now. Go to www.kabusa.com, click on Phono Preamps and scroll down.
-Bob
I installed the Rek-O-Kut box yesterday. It hummed until I grounded it to my SUT and then it was quiet as a mouse. I can detect no difference from a straight cable. I also ordered a DBX 215S EQ (they are running a $50 rebate promotion) for fooling around with the 78's. I know it isn't going to give me the exact curve but I should be able to get close enough for fun.
That's great. Glad your experience was similar to mine. Quite a nice little box for just a few bucks!
-Bob
DougMac
Super Member
I use a different method for 78's. I have a phono pre-amp with no EQ - the output is a flat signal. I feed that signal into a mixer. For casual listening and auditioning, I adjust the eq in the mixer. The line out signal from the mixer goes to my pre-amp.
Mostly, though, I transcribe and then use restoration software. For this, I set the EQ to flat and transcribe. My restoration software allows you to use the appropriate EQ for the vintage of the 78, from flat for acoustics to near RIAA for late 78's. The are parametric eq presets for various labels and periods.
Mostly, though, I transcribe and then use restoration software. For this, I set the EQ to flat and transcribe. My restoration software allows you to use the appropriate EQ for the vintage of the 78, from flat for acoustics to near RIAA for late 78's. The are parametric eq presets for various labels and periods.
clydeactor
Member
I use a Radio Shack audio selector (passive, no power). Simply connect your turntable cables to the OUT on the switchbox (and the ground wire to your phono input of your main amplifier); then connect two (2) sets of RCA interconnects to the IN on the switchbox. Now connect one set of interconnects to your main amplifier, and the other interconnects to your secondary amplifier. Rek-O-Kut has a phono selector box, but I wanted to go DIY.