Need Help / Suggestions on Best Configuration - Sansui 2000x

[bfphillip]

Hi everyone... I'm brand new (second post!) to AK, and was hoping for suggestions on the best way to configure my setup. I'm reposting this from "Members Systems."
I'm looking to get the best sound as possible with what I've got, and looking for suggestions on which inputs / setting to use on the turntables, receiver and mixer... any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

My system:
2 Audio Technica 120 Turntables (non-USB)
Numark m101 Mixer (non-USB)
Sansui 2000x Receiver
Pioneer CS63DX Speakers

The turntables have both phono and line settings (they have a built-in preamp that you can turn on or off), the mixer has inputs for both line and phono (and a switch for each side between the two) and the receiver has an Aux and two Phono inputs.

Looking to optimize the system given the above... I'd appreciate all of the help and suggestions you want to offer!

Thanks!

 

[sinewaver]

What are you looking for ? Best sound or most flexibility ? Best quality audio (IMHO) would be the turntables into the 2000X without the mixer. (TT set at phono) That would use the Sansui phono stage for both. If you have to have the mixer, set the TT to use their own (line out) and into the mixer (line input) and on to AUX of the 2000X. another possibility is using the mixer's phono stage for the TT's. (TT set to phono out into mixer phono input) You have choices of phono inputs (low level) and finding out which ones sound best might take some time. I like keeping things simple and think the 2000x phono stage is quite good. You mileage may vary. Try them all. Just don't use two at the same time. Few of us have so many to choose from. You have three.

 

[bfphillip]

Thanks... this will be really helpful! I really appreciate it! If I do the TT Set to phono out into mixer phono input... would I then have the mixer go to the phono or aux input? I'm assuming also phono, but just want to make sure (I really am a novice.)

Much appreciated!!!

 

[sinewaver]

In that configuration, the mixer will provide the amplification from the cartridges to line level. At that point, you use the AUX input of the 2000X. Using the phono input would be a duplication of amplification stages and result in damaging (and distorted) extreme high levels. In other words... don't go there.
Perhaps I should clarify my first reply. Since you say you are new to all this, I must point out that TT preamps are not all alike. There are many fine ones and some quite costly. How they interact with your choice of cartridge and speakers is an unknown until tried. The 2000X is somewhat of known commodity in as much as most will agree that it is a fine vintage piece. I have one, like it a lot. Do the preamp stages of the other parts of your system sound as good or better ? That's on you to find out. Finding out is part of the hobby. Just be sure to use the AUX input on the Sansui when using any of the others. First try a single TT into the phono input of the 2000 (TT phono out / 2000 phono in) and establish a reference point so you'll have something to compare to. Then try the TT preamp by setting it to line out and use the AUX in of the 2000. My position is that the more stuff in the signal path, the better the chances are of introducing noise. In a club environment, this may not be noticeable. In a quiet room, may be objectionable. I would not be surprised if one of the other preamps sound better than the Sansui on-board as it is quite old and component values do change with age. I'm quite happy with mine as-is. There will be differences, the acceptability is your decision.

 

[bfphillip]

Thanks, sinewaver! This is really a huge help!

 

[Oldsansui441]

Hi and welcome to AK, I would agree with what sinewaver said, if you don't need the added flexibility of the mixer l would lose this from the equation. I have a Sansui 2000 here and l like the phono section on it also.

 

[teal'c]

Sure you could hook it up according to others suggestions, but what if they're wrong? The best way to figure out how your stuff sounds best is to hook it up and listen to it each way yourself.

 

[Mr.White]

Keep in mind that the two phono inputs on the 2000X are different. Phono 1 is for "50,000 ohm carts" and Phono 2 is for "100,000 ohm carts" whatever that means. But you will hear differences between the two. Try both and see which you prefer. I use Phono 1 with a modded Technics SL1200MKII/AT150Mlx cart. But I also have a loading kit that I experimented with to make a further alteration to tame the brightness of the 150Mlx. Great receiver you have there. I never regret buying and restoring mine.