[Rigtee]

Hi guys,

Not sure if this is the right forum to ask my questions; sorry for my English as well as this is not my primary language (might not use all those technical words).

Anyway, since a couple of weeks, I'm thinking about acquiring a new turntable, a proper amp and some nice quality speakers. I read many guides and watched hours of videos on the different components I would need to have for my system to work (you know, that kind of noobie who likes music but doesn't know HOW).

My question is mainly about the speakers themselves. I would like to have a kind of "hybrid" system because I'll have 2 main sources for my music : my turntable and my laptop (a 2016 MBP 15" with Apple Music and some lossless rips from CD's). Is it possible to have speakers that are connected to the turntable AND to my laptop?

So, to summarise it, let's place the speakers in the center and let me show you the connections : Turntable => Amp (with a phono input) => Speakers <= Laptop. Two more questions though:

1) Will I need to connect my MBP into the amp or is the internal sound card good enough? (I guess that also depends if the speakers have a built-in amp or not)?
2) Could you please detail me all the cables and connections I'll need to have the best sound quality?

Huge thanks,

Tom.

 

[Monsterzero]

Most amps/receivers have multiple inputs,so an amp,or receiver is what you need.
Make sure any amp/receiver you purchase has a phono section,and be sure to connect your turntable only to the phono input.

The MBP can be connected to the AUX input of the receiver. Once all that is hooked up you connect passive speakers to the speaker taps of your amp/receiver.

As far as if a soundcard is good enough,I dont know what soundcard you have,nor am I an expert on the matter. My suggestion is to try it and see if you like it,and then decide from there. If it doesnt sound good grab a nice DAC,that then can be connected to your amp.

Regarding cables you need to determine what types of output your laptop has and then get the correct cable that terminates into RCA plugs on the other end.

 

[Rigtee]

Most amps/receivers have multiple inputs,so an amp,or receiver is what you need.
Make sure any amp/receiver you purchase has a phono section,and be sure to connect your turntable only to the phono input.

The MBP can be connected to the AUX input of the receiver. Once all that is hooked up you connect passive speakers to the speaker taps of your amp/receiver.

As far as if a soundcard is good enough,I dont know what soundcard you have,nor am I an expert on the matter. My suggestion is to try it and see if you like it,and then decide from there.

Regarding cables you need to determine what types of output your laptop has and then get the correct cable that terminates into RCA cables on the other end.

Thanks for your answer! So yeah, it's not that hard actually. Do you have some great passive speakers to recommend (in the sub 1000$ for the pair)? If I understand well, the amp will amplify the signal from the source for the speakers to produce sound; but the digital signal is decoded by the sound card which might not be good enough (will Google that actually for my laptop).

Last question: is a subwoofer necessary for the bass? (especially from a digital point: my laptop. Right now, I have Harman Kardon Soundsticks III speakers (which will be brought to another room) and the subwoofer adds a nice punchy bass)

Thanks,

Tom.

 

[Monsterzero]

Are yo planning on using this setup in nearfield(sitting at a computer) or for a large room while listening on the couch?

 

[Rigtee]

Are yo planning on using this setup in nearfield(sitting at a computer) or for a large room while listening on the couch?

Actually that setup will be in my bedroom which is not that big (less than 20 sqm) : I will sit on a chair in front of my laptop and probably on a more relaxing and lower chair (like a reclining one) for my turntable (not far from my desk with the computer though, like 2m).

 

[Monsterzero]

Ok so bookshelf speakers will work. Im using Focal Aria 905 on stands + sub woofer being driven by a Sansui 881 vintage receiver. The Focals have a nice semi relaxed treble,which for me is important as I dont want to get blasted in the face with bright harsh highs. I believe the Aria 905s are discontinued and do not know if they can still be bought in Europe or not.

Goldenear Aons are also nice. I have their T2s for my main system and theyre amazing speakers.

A lot of folks like Elac speakers which also have a warm sound. Im guessing in Europe you have speakers that you can get for less $ than what they cost here,and vice/versa.

 

[Rigtee]

Ok so bookshelf speakers will work. Im using Focal Aria 905 on stands + sub woofer being driven by a Sansui 881 vintage receiver. The Focals have a nice semi relaxed treble,which for me is important as I dont want to get blasted in the face with bright harsh highs. I believe the Aria 905s are discontinued and do not know if they can still be bought in Europe or not.

Goldenear Aons are also nice. I have their T2s for my main system and theyre amazing speakers.

A lot of folks like Elac speakers which also have a warm sound. Im guessing in Europe you have speakers that you can get for less $ than what they cost here,and vice/versa.

Huge thanks! Now I just have to look for a nice pair of bookshelf speakers + a sub. Will tell you when I have some ideas!

 

[buke9]

Make sure to get desktop speaker stands or wedges it makes a big difference to the sound. You want the tweeter at eye level which is usually the same as your ears.

 

[Rigtee]

Make sure to get desktop speaker stands or wedges it makes a big difference to the sound. You want the tweeter at eye level which is usually the same as your ears.

Of course!