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Why build a phonostage?

Jkaput

Jkaput

New Member
Good evening,
Sometime ago I bought parts to build hypno toads simple phono stage. Well, life got in the way and I was delayed. That said, I'm back at it, but a few questions have popped into my mind that I hoped folks on here would be able to respond to. Here they are.

a) I am trying to get phono sound out of my Sansui 2000x. It sounds fantastic for radio and streaming, but records - even new ones, seem flat. I don't have a lot of other ways to describe it, but they just seem to lack a full spectrum of sound, especially compared to the other two formats (table is balanced and aligned with a relatively new othofon red - high quality cables etc)

Could it be something wrong with the phono on the amp? It has two settings, and both sound the same.

b) In terms of the phono stage - here is my question. If it is going to run through the same input on the receiver, won't it sound the same as anything else run through that input? The reason I ask is that I have heard that the 2000x has a lackluster internal phono stage. If I build the stage and plug it into the phono input, won't that just color my newly built stage to take on the lackluster characteristics of the receivers anyway?

I'd really like to sort out my phono dilemma. I have a lot of records just waiting to be played - I just don't play them because they don't sound all that good when I do.

I appreciate your expertise and help!!!
 
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You are missing something here: if you use an external phono preamp, you need to connect it to an AUX or Tape or other non-equalized input, not the phono input - unless you have also internally bypassed the RIAA equalization of that input and addressed any mismatch in levels - all of that could be a fair amount of work, so most people just use a different input to connect their external phono preamp.

John
 
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No, you can't run one phono preamp into another phono input. Because you said this, I think there could be some more issues. So, maybe start at the beginning. What cartridge and what turntable are you using?
 
Hi, You need to clarify which ''Hypno toads simple phono stage'' as the most famous one, I use is only for MC cart, however their apparently is a MM version.

Your Red is one of the worst sounding cartridges available, sorry.

If you have not got hundreds of pristine LP's, stick with streaming. Nowadays you need an LP system costing around $5000+ to beat the streaming music.

However if you want to stick with vinyl, sell the Red & buy a Denon - DL-103, which works very well with the AD797 phono amp. You can buy refurbished upgraded 103's on E/Bay from as little as $250 nowadays.

Cheers
 
Make sure it has the RIAA EQ curve in the build, with no EQ it will not sound good. And make sure as others state if it does have the EQ curve in the build, only use AUX, CD, or TAPE inputs.
 
If you want much improved phono sound try and replace the 2M Red stylus with a 2M blue stylus, I found the red cart to be very uninspiring. Sansui usually has good phono stages built in.

Happy New Year!
 
the cartridge I use on my Sansui Is a old shure super track type 4 ,you can purchase brand new needles for them online. In it's day it was one of the best and I feel it still is. check Ebay for one
 
If that Ortofon sounds dull, you probably want a Stanton cartridge. 681s were their best selling cart in the 70s and 80s, and are readily available used. Just make sure the are know to be good, they are prone to a wire breaking on the left channel I've fixed a few, but then I also repair watches and not everyone is going to have the skills to fix one.

Everyone used vinyl when that receiver was made, and very few phono amps were poor in those days. Unless there is something wrong with the phono stage (could need new electrolytic caps) it should sound just fine.
 
Only a Moderator can end/close a thread, hence the clean-up.
Play nice folks,
Jim
 
Locked BOTH of them out of future postings in this thread!
(sorry, I was involved in a Zoom elsewhere and could not post that when I did it @2PM)
 
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