TURNTABLE SETUP Questions thread - don't start a new thread, ASK YOUR QUESTION HERE!

[BLACKENEDPLAGUE]

  Although there are cheaper phono preamps, buying anything below the TC-750 http://www.ebay.com/itm/TCC-TC-750-Phono-Preamp-Black-finish-version-/110453155728?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item19b7856790 or http://artproaudio.com/artcessories/turntable_preamps/product/djpre_ii/ would be false economy.
 
There are phono preamps in 4 and 5 figures - and although the law of diminishing returns is still OK -  for a reason. 

 
I have this preamp and it works fine. Also, I have a book that has a blueprint for a DIY phono pre with "-80db SNR and <.01% THD"

 

[analogsurviver]

   
I have this preamp and it works fine. Also, I have a book that has a blueprint for a DIY phono pre with "-80db SNR and <.01% THD"

I also have TC-750 and it is a mighty fine phono preamp - and quite unbelievable at the price.  Its sole limitation is a relatively low headroom - which means high(er) output cartridge and really hot recording can bring it into clipping/overload.  
 
More important than SNR and THD in phono preamp is deviation from the RIAA curve. Here, + - 0.25 dB 20Hz-20kHz
is considered excellent; not many preamps achieve this or better. This requires precise resistors and capacitors ( or inductors in few really high end de$ign$ ) - and can not be achieved in low(er) price device. 
 
Said TC-750 can be MUCH improved upon - unfortunately parts to bring it up there exceed the cost of the unit itself.
Bringing it to some very decent level - which is not to say stock unit is a slouch. It takes quite a TT to warrant going beyond TC-750 sonically. 

 

[victor92014]

I like the options you mentioned and even though I'd spend around $1000.00, so far it sounds like it might be the best option to go.
I'm guess I'd be able to run my desktop PC either through a Tascam DA-3000 HD & DSD SSR or one of the Korg models you mentioned and  play my FLAC and MP'3 file through it? And also be able to run the Project Carbon through it but as a stand alone for listening and digitizing music?

 

[victor92014]

My main source of music is in FLAC and MP3 format. I listen to it either on my desktop computer through my monitors or I plug my monitors to my Android or Apple device and listen to it on there.

 

[BLACKENEDPLAGUE]

  I also have TC-750 and it is a mighty fine phono preamp - and quite unbelievable at the price.  Its sole limitation is a relatively low headroom - which means high(er) output cartridge and really hot recording can bring it into clipping/overload.  
 
More important than SNR and THD in phono preamp is deviation from the RIAA curve. Here, + - 0.25 dB 20Hz-20kHz
is considered excellent; not many preamps achieve this or better. This requires precise resistors and capacitors ( or inductors in few really high end de$ign$ ) - and can not be achieved in low(er) price device. 
 
Said TC-750 can be MUCH improved upon - unfortunately parts to bring it up there exceed the cost of the unit itself.
Bringing it to some very decent level - which is not to say stock unit is a slouch. It takes quite a TT to warrant going beyond TC-750 sonically. 

oh no doubt. When I review phono pre's before buying it is on RIAA dedication alone. My book (from '97) says the improvements could easily be made with better components. But with that said, having a very basic knowledge of electronics will save you thousands

 

[analogsurviver]

  I like the options you mentioned and even though I'd spend around $1000.00, so far it sounds like it might be the best option to go.
I'm guess I'd be able to run my desktop PC either through a Tascam DA-3000 HD & DSD SSR or one of the Korg models you mentioned and  play my FLAC and MP'3 file through it? And also be able to run the Project Carbon through it but as a stand alone for listening and digitizing music?

Please check exactly which type of files are supported by each device. Korg models do not do FLAC - and only MR-1 does MP3. None of the Korg can play any file unless it is on its internal hard disk - you can not use it as DAC with PC.
This was the Aichille's heel of Korg and what ultimately took it off the market. 
 
Checking Tascam DA-3000 http://tascam.com/product/da-3000/ reveals it can not do FLAC or MP3. It can be used as A/D and D/A converter with PC. You can covert DSD to PCM (be it WAV, FLAC, MP3 or whatever ) using Korg Audiogate. This has been unfortunately limited for non owners of Korg MR product. After discontnuation of MR recorders Audiogate went from V 2.x.x to V.3.0. and beyond. That is a PLAYER first ( meant for Korg DSD capable  DACs ) with enhanced sound quality over V.2x.x. However, if you require any "editing", V.2x.x is MUCH more user friendly for editing purposes, like recording from LP.  V.2.latest version should still be available for download somewhere at the bottom page after downloading latest version. Only you can decide whether or not  buying a Korg MR product (or DAC) is worth it in order to get the full access to Audigate.
 
There are other "converter" softwares available, like Weiss, but that co$ts several times more than the DA-3000 itself.
What I would do in your shoes would be to get DA-3000 and use player like JRiver 19 that can convert files from say MP3 and FLAC to WAV or DSD on the fly provided your PC is fast enough.  One caution in this case; not only should PC be powerful/fast enough, it should not impersonate tornado in your listening space; usually, when called upon load as difficult as conversion on the fly, fan(s) do kick in. You can download trial version of JRiver 19 and test it with your equipment and your requirements - but you will need DSD capable DAC to test it to the full. If you do have PCM only capable DAC , you can still test conversion on the fly for "tornado" in somewhat limited edition.
 
You can use DA-3000 as a standalone unit. However, as good as it is, why listen to an analog source trough A/D and back to D/A conversions? Only needed during the recording, pure listening to vinyl should be that - left pure. Please also remember some ( well most, but not all ) recorders of any kind
can present an awfully difficult load to the source driving it ( in your case phono preamp ) when switched off. It ranges from just faintly audible to heavily objectionable - depending on actual hardware combinations. Some preamps use tape out buffers, some use recording selector that can be switched to off. If you use only external phono preamp without any switching capabilities, disconnecting the recorder
anytime it is not powered on while simply listening to vinyl will be required.
 
Good luck !
 
PS: If you are content with only PCM limited to 96/24 and require portable no frills device, a Sony PCM M10 offers just that. No fancy or hard to get batteries and storage media. But do not think it can be used as an outboard A/D and D/A with PC.

 

[analogsurviver]

  oh no doubt. When I review phono pre's before buying it is on RIAA dedication alone. My book (from '97) says the improvements could easily be made with better components. But with that said, having a very basic knowledge of electronics will save you thousands

In principle, true.
 
We have limited ourselves to "normal" phono stages, more often than not limited to MM inputs. Cost considerations, what else? However, a truly dedicated phono for low output MC carts is going to be costly - as the same basic knowledge dictates an outboard power supply is required in this case. Which does cost more. I went beyond that - powering the phono input by batteries.
 
Low output MC carts require such dedicated phono preamps. And after having one of those at home, you may well find "redecorating" your setup will be necessary - because of stray hum field(s) emanating from - anything plugged into wall outlet not being said phono preamp. Tuners, CD players, recorders, line stage preamp, POWER amp - all of these can induce hum far greater than phono stage has on its own. It requires its "breathing space" - otherwise its potential can never be realized.
 
Should one would like to make phono balanced, this means basically twice the circuitry > costs.
 
So thinking at least twice prior deciding to get a really low output cartridge ( 0.1 mV or less ) is not a bad idea at all.
It can open the can of worms beyond what one might be comfortable with.

 

[victor92014]

  Please check exactly which type of files are supported by each device. Korg models do not do FLAC - and only MR-1 does MP3. None of the Korg can play any file unless it is on its internal hard disk - you can not use it as DAC with PC.
This was the Aichille's heel of Korg and what ultimately took it off the market. 
 
Checking Tascam DA-3000 http://tascam.com/product/da-3000/ reveals it can not do FLAC or MP3. It can be used as A/D and D/A converter with PC. You can covert DSD to PCM (be it WAV, FLAC, MP3 or whatever ) using Korg Audiogate. This has been unfortunately limited for non owners of Korg MR product. After discontnuation of MR recorders Audiogate went from V 2.x.x to V.3.0. and beyond. That is a PLAYER first ( meant for Korg DSD capable  DACs ) with enhanced sound quality over V.2x.x. However, if you require any "editing", V.2x.x is MUCH more user friendly for editing purposes, like recording from LP.  V.2.latest version should still be available for download somewhere at the bottom page after downloading latest version. Only you can decide whether or not  buying a Korg MR product (or DAC) is worth it in order to get the full access to Audigate.
 
There are other "converter" softwares available, like Weiss, but that co$ts several times more than the DA-3000 itself.
What I would do in your shoes would be to get DA-3000 and use player like JRiver 19 that can convert files from say MP3 and FLAC to WAV or DSD on the fly provided your PC is fast enough.  One caution in this case; not only should PC be powerful/fast enough, it should not impersonate tornado in your listening space; usually, when called upon load as difficult as conversion on the fly, fan(s) do kick in. You can download trial version of JRiver 19 and test it with your equipment and your requirements - but you will need DSD capable DAC to test it to the full. If you do have PCM only capable DAC , you can still test conversion on the fly for "tornado" in somewhat limited edition.
 
You can use DA-3000 as a standalone unit. However, as good as it is, why listen to an analog source trough A/D and back to D/A conversions? Only needed during the recording, pure listening to vinyl should be that - left pure. Please also remember some ( well most, but not all ) recorders of any kind
can present an awfully difficult load to the source driving it ( in your case phono preamp ) when switched off. It ranges from just faintly audible to heavily objectionable - depending on actual hardware combinations. Some preamps use tape out buffers, some use recording selector that can be switched to off. If you use only external phono preamp without any switching capabilities, disconnecting the recorder
anytime it is not powered on while simply listening to vinyl will be required.
 
Good luck !
 
PS: If you are content with only PCM limited to 96/24 and require portable no frills device, a Sony PCM M10 offers just that. No fancy or hard to get batteries and storage media. But do not think it can be used as an outboard A/D and D/A with PC.

Thanks!

 

[analogsurviver]

 
Thanks!

You welcome!
 
Although I certainly did not cover all the options, I believe I did those that make most sense. 

 

[Gram2]

 
Does anyone wish to comment and give me an idea of the turntable I wan't to buy? The Pro-Ject carbon debut is about $400 and seems to be a good one for my needs. I can really use some knowledge of this is the one that has a humming sound or if it's something. Because I have been hearing some negative reviews from others that it hums even when it is grounded well and make sure the rca's are tight. So pretty much if anyone owns one can give me some feedback. Also there is one called Rega P1 made in England, A few dollars more but wanted to know which one would have a better sound quality and I make the right choice.
Thanks

 

[analogsurviver]

 
 
Does anyone wish to comment and give me an idea of the turntable I wan't to buy? The Pro-Ject carbon debut is about $400 and seems to be a good one for my needs. I can really use some knowledge of this is the one that has a humming sound or if it's something. Because I have been hearing some negative reviews from others that it hums even when it is grounded well and make sure the rca's are tight. So pretty much if anyone owns one can give me some feedback. 
Thanks

Sorry - no direct experience with this model. Humming in TTs ( grounding...) can be PITA and is seldom well executed. Perhaps someone with first hand experience will chime in.

 

[analogsurviver]

A nice explanation on VTA/SRA :
 

 

[rmullins08]

   
Does anyone wish to comment and give me an idea of the turntable I wan't to buy? The Pro-Ject carbon debut is about $400 and seems to be a good one for my needs. I can really use some knowledge of this is the one that has a humming sound or if it's something. Because I have been hearing some negative reviews from others that it hums even when it is grounded well and make sure the rca's are tight. So pretty much if anyone owns one can give me some feedback. Also there is one called Rega P1 made in England, A few dollars more but wanted to know which one would have a better sound quality and I make the right choice.
Thanks

 
I'm probably not the greatest person to respond as I only got into vinyl 12 days ago, but the Carbon Debut is the TT I went with on the recommendations of others (Who also recommend the Rega).  It was a very easy setup (maybe 25 minutes, although I watched this video many times https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV-edj6cNOY).  I have no issues with humming from the table.  I am in love with the sound quality I am getting from the Carbon Debut, but again I have no other points of reference.

 

[bbophead]

Excellent!
 
Happy for you.

 

[bbophead]

Check this out:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw2ifJFtERA&feature=youtu.be