Turntable to H/K?

ascienzo
ascienzo Posts: 48
edited May 2004 in Electronics
Hello everyone:

Does anyone know if I can hook up a turntable directly to an H/K avr525??

The H/K does not have any "Phono" inputs--can I just use the inputs for "tape" or "CD" or do I need to use something in between my connections to adjust for the TT?

Thanks for your help... :D
H/K525avr
Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
Rears–RT38i
Sub–PSW404
Post edited by ascienzo on
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2004
    I'm no TT expert, but I believe you need need a TT preamp...I'm a bit surprised that 525 doesn't have that capability...
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited May 2004
    Some receivers don't have a phono in. You may need to purchase a Phono preamp such as this:

    http://www.nadelectronics.com/hifi_amplifiers/pp2_framset.htm
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Thanks for your quick responses...

    Forgive me for being "dense" :)


    What would happen if I were just to use the "tape" inputs?

    and...

    Why do I need to use a "phono pre-amp" if I don't have "phono" inputs?



    Sorry I just can't resist asking :confused:
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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  • wlrandall
    wlrandall Posts: 440
    edited May 2004
    What kind of turntable are you connecting? Some have a switchable output-the preamp is built in.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by ascienzo
    Why do I need to use a "phono pre-amp" if I don't have "phono" inputs?
    becuase you don't have a phono in, that's why you need the phone preamp, if your TT doesn't have that built in...
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by wlrandall
    What kind of turntable are you connecting? Some have a switchable output-the preamp is built in.


    I'm looking to get a Technics SL-1300 or something in that range--nothing too fancy...

    I have an old record collection and since my system can play some really nice tunes, I'm thinking about resurrecting the old vinyls...

    Makes me feel old *LOL* :rolleyes:
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2004
    Check out this Parasound:

    http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1090101081

    Here's more info on the Parasound site:

    http://www.parasound.com/products/specialty/pph100specs.html

    EDIT: sorry that Parasound in the audiogon link appears to be sold, but you should be able to locate one of those fairly easily...was just posting that as a favor for a link to that sale...any preamp should work find for you, doesn't need to necessarily be the Parasound...the NAD mentioned above looks nice also...
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    becuase you don't have a phono in, that's why you need the phone preamp, if your TT doesn't have that built in...

    This I understand--my question is "why????" :D

    My CD player does not have a "pre-amp"...what does the TT do that will not allow it to connect without a "pre-amp"--is it frequency?, power? or what?


    Thanks again....
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,728
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by ascienzo
    This I understand--my question is "why????" :D

    My CD player does not have a "pre-amp"...what does the TT do that will not allow it to connect without a "pre-amp"--is it frequency?, power? or what?


    Thanks again....

    THe CD player does have a preamp, it's just in your receiver. Some receivers don't include the phono preamp anymore becuase TTs are not as popular...

    Remember that TT is an analog device. It uses completely different technology than do CD and DVD players...that's why it requires a special preamp...
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  • dcarlson
    dcarlson Posts: 1,740
    edited May 2004
    A TT's output is much lower than a CD player thus the signal needs to be bumped up by a preamp for a regular input such as the AUX on your receiver.
    SDA-2a, Anthem Pre-2L, Anthem Amp 1, MF A324 DAC, Rotel RCD1070

    Senn HD650 Cardas, Mapletree Audio Ear+ HD2, Kimber KS1030, Bel Canto DAC2, M-Audio Transit, Laptop.
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  • wlrandall
    wlrandall Posts: 440
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by ascienzo
    I'm looking to get a Technics SL-1300 or something in that range--nothing too fancy...

    I have an old record collection and since my system can play some really nice tunes, I'm thinking about resurrecting the old vinyls...

    Makes me feel old *LOL* :rolleyes:

    Nice choice-I'm current eyeing an SL-1200MK2 that my local Guitar Center has for $249.

    Back to the topic...with that one you will need the preamp. I found a number of them new just doing a Google search for "phono amp" and "phono preamp".
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by Polkmaniac
    THe CD player does have a preamp, it's just in your receiver. Some receivers don't include the phono preamp anymore becuase TTs are not as popular...

    Remember that TT is an analog device. It uses completely different technology than do CD and DVD players...that's why it requires a special preamp...


    Thanks I understand now... (being dense) but if the "preamp" is built into my receiver for the CD player then why wouldn't that act as a "preamp" for a TT--is it because of the analog connection?? Are not tape decks "analog" as well??


    Thanks everyone--you see "I can be taught!!!" I knew I would prove them wrong :p
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Originally posted by wlrandall
    Nice choice-I'm current eyeing an SL-1200MK2 that my local Guitar Center has for $249.

    Back to the topic...with that one you will need the preamp. I found a number of them new just doing a Google search for "phono amp" and "phono preamp".



    That's a good price if the unit is in good and working condition...they are suppposedly, very sort after--they can go for $300+ on ebay...
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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  • tonyv1
    tonyv1 Posts: 365
    edited May 2004
    The reason you need a phono preamp is:
    1. The output voltage from a magnetic cartridge is <5millavolts and in the microvolts from a moving coil cartridge.
    2. The voltage needs to be amplified to at least 150 millavolts for a line level input (CD or Tape).
    3. There is an RIAA equalization curve that is added to records. Bass on LPs is compressed to make it fit on the records.
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  • ascienzo
    ascienzo Posts: 48
    edited May 2004
    Very cool :)

    Thank you -- I never knew anything was "compressed" on vinyl...I love knowing this technical stuff...



    All you guys are great--thank you all :D
    H/K525avr
    Fronts–RT55i [bi-wired]
    Center–CSi40 [bi-wired]
    Rears–RT38i
    Sub–PSW404
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