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Phono Preamp? or no Phono Preamp?

Hokie81

Hokie81

New Member
My vinyl set-up is a Mac 1700 to Klipsch Cornwalls. TT is Pioneer PLX 1000 with an Ortofon blue cart . I've been running the TT direct to the Mac phono input... since I understand it should be a good phono stage. It sounds very nice to me. But I have a Bellari VP130 preamp sitting around from an old set-up. Is there anything to be gained by running the TT through the Bellari, then to the McIntosh? I haven't tried it because I've lost the power supply to the Bellari, anddon't want to order another one if it won't improve sound. All this said, I realize good sound is subjective and varies person to person. Thanks very much for any help!
 
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Put your Bellari VP130 between TT and line input on amp and listen. If you think that this combination have better sound they stay with that configuration.
 
Is the Bellari powered by a wall wart? If so just find one with the same output voltage and plug end. I have a drawer full of warts from various things. You can even buy them with variuos plug in ends and a voltage selector for under $20. I have one that lets you select 3 to 18 volts. Places like Goodwill usually has a pile of them dirt cheap. The only other thing I would check is the current output of the wall wart. If the preamp draws say 1/2 an amp you dont want one that is rated lower. Its usually printed on the power supply.
 
FileFixer is totally correct. Give it a try and let us know what you think. You should be able to find a generic ps of proper voltage to use the unit. If you like it great, if you don't you can sell a working unit with that PS instead of selling a unit the buyer needs to fix to get working.
 
Lavane said:
Is the Bellari powered by a wall wart? If so just find one with the same output voltage and plug end. I have a drawer full of warts from various things. You can even buy them with variuos plug in ends and a voltage selector for under $20. I have one that lets you select 3 to 18 volts. Places like Goodwill usually has a pile of them dirt cheap. The only other thing I would check is the current output of the wall wart. If the preamp draws say 1/2 an amp you dont want one that is rated lower. Its usually printed on the power supply.
Click to expand...

HP laptops have 18V switching power supply.
 
I also have an outboard phono preamp--initially bought as a temporary solution after my amp died--and a stereo preamp with a built in phono stage. After getting a new amp I compared phono stages and found I have a preference. (You likely know this, but just in case, the preamp out will need to go to a line input. Don't feed a preamp to a preamp).
 
Hokie81 said:
My vinyl set-up is a Mac 1700 to Klipsch Cornwalls. TT is Pioneer PLX 1000 with an Ortofon blue cart . I've been running the TT direct to the Mac phono input... since I understand it should be a good phono stage. It sounds very nice to me. But I have a Bellari VP130 preamp sitting around from an old set-up. Is there anything to be gained by running the TT through the Bellari, then to the McIntosh?
Click to expand...
Try and see for yourself!

I seriously doubt it having owned the almost identical VP129 unit using the same op amp based circuit. Decent unit for the money, but decidedly opaque sounding.

BTW, your subject line makes no sense. If you want to play phono, you must have a phono stage whether its integral to a component or external. Are there better to be found? Most certainly, but likely not the Bellari.
 
E-Stat said:
Try and see for yourself!

I seriously doubt it having owned the almost identical VP129 unit using the same op amp based circuit. Decent unit for the money, but decidedly opaque sounding.

BTW, your subject line makes no sense. If you want to play phono, you must have a phono stage whether its integral to a component or external. Are there better to be found? Most certainly, but likely not the Bellari.
Click to expand...
So Bellari preamps are no good, huh?

They sure look spiffy

PA550-image-side.jpg
 
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