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Using Multiple TTs

choochin3

choochin3

Well-Known Member
Hello Folks,
I want to hook the three turntables I have to my receiver that only has one phono input.
Is there some kind if selector switch box that I can use to plug them all in,and select the one I want to use?
Or will I have to make one?

Thank You,
Carl T.
 
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probably not the best idea given the very low level signal of a phono cartridge. Get a receiver or amp or preamp with multiple phono inputs.

You can certainly try an input switchbox (R/S still sells 'em, last I knew), but these were really designed for line-level inputs. I suspect loss of signal, noise, and/or HF attenuation will be unacceptable using a switchbox on mV-level signals (uV level if your cartridges are MCs).
 
I tried that with one of those boxes from Radio Shack. It caused a lot of hum in my case. Now I just use it for line level gear like cassette decks.

For me, I hunted down an integrated amp with two phono inputs.
 
Do not bother with the RS switchbox. I've tried it with the results Mr. Hardy mentioned.

You could also use a DJ mixer with three phono sections. Not award-winning sound quality, but no worse than the cheap, black box preamps.

I also seem to remember seeing a link to a true phono switchbox in a past thread. You might do a search, or maybe someone will post it again.
 
Never had any hum with my radioshack A/B switcher. If I did, I would throw it in the garbage as I cant stand hum. For $15 you can try it and take it back to radio shack if it doesnt do the job
 
note: my turntables go through a phono pre-amp before going through he A/B switcher...there is likely a difference doing it this way but youll need two pre-amps
 
How about building something using solid state switches? -- I'm stealing the idea from my old Sony HT receiver which uses these (14 pin?) DIP ICs to select inputs... including phono.

Michael
 
buy a cd4 demodulator that will do it. THe marantz cd-400 will offer the extra phono preamp you desire and give back on aux. input that it takes up. The 2 channel stage in this unit is excellent. THat will give you one more. I use it daily and it sounds great.
 
Thanks for the great replies!
You all have given me some great ideas.
I might try to find an older receiver(this 1980's digital Kennwood is a turd)
What are some good brands of decent quality and low cost?
I'm will look for something with dual phono inputs.
I also like the vintage (70's) look with the big dials,and illuminated gauges.

Thank You,
Carl t.
 
I can't suggest specific models, but be careful with some of the lower end old receivers. Many had two phono inputs, but only one was for a moving magnet cartridge. The other was for a ceramic cart. Certainly the better models from Kenwood, Pioneer and the like that had more than one phono input were all for magnetic carts, but the only receivers I could afford in college didn't.

Rob
 
My Pioneer SX 828 receiver has THREE phono inputs-two on the back for MM cartridges and a little door on the side for the MC. I couldn't really conceive of a situation where I would want to use more than one turntable. What would you do with these extra inputs?
 
just run RCA extenders from reciever with female ends that is long enough to find without going behind reciever so you swap tabes quick.
 
I was looking to hook up the 3 TTs that I have to 1 receiver.
I have 1 TT for 78s,1 for 45s,and 1 for 33s.
The reason is that my equipment is close to the floor,and is not very acessible.
I believe my Technics SL QD33,and Pioneer PL-7 have MM carts.
But my Garrard RC98 I am clueless,it is an older tt,50's? 60's? that would be ceramic right?

Thanks,
Carl T.
 
chadnliz said:
just run RCA extenders from reciever with female ends that is long enough to find without going behind reciever so you swap tabes quick.
Click to expand...
No, this is not a good idea. RCA extenders will add capacitance and diminish sound quality.
 
Pioneer SX 850, 950, etc have phono 1 and 2 jacks, not sure about the 750 and are great options if you are leaning toward changing up receivers -- or separates
 
With respect to receiver recommendations I've had good luck with my Sansui running two turntables. I've also heard good reports on the higher end Pioneer, Marantz and Kenwood models from the 70's. There are also some pretty inexpensive integrated amps with two surprisingly good phono stages that may be of interest. Technics is one with which I have personal experience. Craigslist and ebay are possible sources for under $100. My 2 cents.
 
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