Can a TT be used in this setup?

[kininigin]

My current system is using a Caiman as a pre-amp to drive some active speakers.I was wondering if there is any way to include the use of my TT in this set up?

I will be saving up to get a Croft Micro 25/25R? eventually,so would like a cheap but effective alternative in the meantime.

If it is possible,what would you suggest?

Cheers.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Well, you're obviously going to need some sort of phono stage, a volume control and some means of switching between the two sources. You could get away without the latter at a pinch.
A pre-amp with a phono stage would fit the bill nicely!

[Audioman]

A pre-amp with a phono stage would fit the bill nicely!

That would be the Croft then. :)

[kininigin]

I should of been a bit clearer :lol: I just want to add a phonostage and use the caiman as a pre! I'm not sure if it's possible to do that :scratch:

If it's not possible,i'll just wait till i can get a Croft.

[chelsea]

Yes you should be able to tt-phono stage-pre-active speakers

[kininigin]

So any standard phonostage can be used?

I must admit,i'm confused how it all hooks up :scratch:

So tt goes to phono input_output goes to where??

[The Grand Wazoo]

If you get a phono stage with a volume control (unless your speakers have gain controls and you're happy fumbling around with them) you could wire it into your speakers via a switch to allow you to change to your digital source/s. Alternatively you could just use a pair of y-connectors to avoid buying/making a switch.

[DSJR]

Phono stage with digital output..

Have a look at the pro market.. All the domestic RIAA A-D units I've tried searching for have USB outputs and/or they're priced for oligarchs, but there must be something not costing thousands of pounds out there that will do well for you.

I honestly thought there might be a decent market for a preamp with analogue and digital ins and outs, but AVI, who could have done it with absolute ease, decided not to, which is a shame I think and a missed opportunity.

Good luck, but I think a loan to get the Croft and use the beresford purely as a DAC would be the better way to go...

[kininigin]

If you get a phono stage with a volume control (unless your speakers have gain controls and you're happy fumbling around with them) you could wire it into your speakers via a switch to allow you to change to your digital source/s. Alternatively you could just use a pair of y-connectors to avoid buying/making a switch.

Right i see,so using Y-connectors say,i assume you just make sure only one source is on at a time?

Are cheap phonostages with volume controls available? I do have gain controls on my speakers as a last resort!

[The Grand Wazoo]

Dave's point is a good one but I don't know of any that would fit the bill either. I think Stan B was thinking about it a while back. Don't know what became of that idea though.

As for traditional phono stages with analogue outputs and a volume knob, there's the Angle Audio (http://www.angleaudio.co.uk/index.asp) unit which Jerry enthused about so much. They will do you one to special order with a volume knob on it for not much more than £100.

I've got one of the little battery powered units that I use with my Decca Mk IV cartridge - I had them configure it specifically for the Decca. I squirt it into my Audio Research preamp via a line level input (as I use the phono stage for my Koetsu) and it is a fine sounding device. For the money, it's an exceptional bargain.

EDIT: Y-connectors - yes one source at a time unless you want to create some new music!

[kininigin]

Phono stage with digital output..

Have a look at the pro market.. All the domestic RIAA A-D units I've tried searching for have USB outputs and/or they're priced for oligarchs, but there must be something not costing thousands of pounds out there that will do well for you.

I honestly thought there might be a decent market for a preamp with analogue and digital ins and outs, but AVI, who could have done it with absolute ease, decided not to, which is a shame I think and a missed opportunity.

Good luck, but I think a loan to get the Croft and use the beresford purely as a DAC would be the better way to go...


There must be something out there i can use to tie me over!! Yeah would of thought a preamp with analogue and digital ins and outs would be easily available.Not sure what the cost would be though,i'm looking for very cheap options.

I have never had a loan or a credit card,it's not something i do.I either save for what i want,or don't get it!! The Croft is at a fantastic price,so it shouldn't take me too long to save.It's just that i've not listened to any vinyl for 5 months and i miss it :D

[The Grand Wazoo]

A phono stage into a little seperate A-D converter. there seem to be a few cheapo A-D's for as little as £30 or £40 but I don't expect they'll be exactly super high quality.
Google analogue to digital converter - there are a few.

Example (http://www.misco.co.uk/productinfo/productinfo?productCode=158898&affiliate=GooglePLA&cm_mmc=google-_-Product_PlusBox-_-cables-_-158898&cagpspn=pla&gclid=CO7ct5zC7bYCFVMbtAodyiIAUQ)

[kininigin]

So would these be the type of items i should be looking at?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ART-Deejay-Pre-II-Phono-Preamp-DJ-Pre-NEW-/281091079318?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item4172557c96

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Timestep-Revolver-Phono-2-Moving-Coil-MC-Moving-Magnet-MM-Phonostage-/251263142307?pt=Turntable_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a807349a3

[The Grand Wazoo]

Talk to Stan B about the second item you've linked to - I think he might be able do you the same thing (different label) for a lot less.

That handles the phono stage side of it, but not the A-D part.

[kininigin]

Talk to Stan B about the second item you've linked to - I think he might be able do you the same thing (different label) for a lot less.

That handles the phono stage side of it, but not the A-D part.

Ok will speak to stan.Sorry i'm being thick here but why would i need an A-D converter?

[The Grand Wazoo]

You only need it if you go the route Dave suggested, sorry I thought you favoured that way.

[kininigin]

You only need it if you go the route Dave suggested, sorry I thought you favoured that way.

Ahh right,i see.No i think i'll go the Y connector route as it's cheaper and less complicated,at least to me anyway! :lol:

[DSJR]

"My" way was to take the phono stage output, digitise it, and feed the signal into the DAC. make sure all the interconnects, especially through to the speakers, are low capacitance, as I still feel the Croft is happiest driving shorter leads well under 5m. I haven't done any testing here, so could be offering caution in error.

[The Grand Wazoo]

Did you look at the thing I linked to in post #12? (example)
You could connect a phono stage up to that & fire it into your DAC - the DAC then becomes a switchable phono equipped preamp.

[StanleyB]

Or you can use the TC-7240 phone switch box on my site to switch between the TC-760LC phono preamp and the TC-7520SE DAC ;).

[kininigin]

Did you look at the thing I linked to in post #12? (example)
You could connect a phono stage up to that & fire it into your DAC - the DAC then becomes a switchable phono equipped preamp.

I hadn't Chris,i missed it!


Or you can use the TC-7240 phone switch box on my site to switch between the TC-760LC phono preamp and the TC-7520SE DAC ;).

I think i'll go down this route with the TC-760LC phono preamp and some Y-connectors to keep costs down! I'm trying to stay under £100 and need to factor in some interconnects!

[StanleyB]

It just goes to show that not many people are aware that I can also supply a range of phono preamps from TCC, and at below the price the equivalent items costs from alternative sellers.
Many of these preamps are also easy to modify and get to perform above original specs. But I am personally not sure if there is an appetite for doing DIY mods on them. I myself run a TC-760LC in which I have removed the JRC4558 opamp and fitted a IC socket instead. Since then I have been experimenting with various opamps. I have some other mods to try out as well, including converting the single ended power supply rail to a dual power supply rail.

[kininigin]

It just goes to show that not many people are aware that I can also supply a range of phono preamps from TCC, and at below the price the equivalent items costs from alternative sellers.
Many of these preamps are also easy to modify and get to perform above original specs. But I am personally not sure if there is an appetite for doing DIY mods on them. I myself run a TC-760LC in which I have removed the JRC4558 opamp and fitted a IC socket instead. Since then I have been experimenting with various opamps. I have some other mods to try out as well, including converting the single ended power supply rail to a dual power supply rail.

Well it was certainly news to me! I guess that you are so much associated with dacs that it can be glossed over with your other products!

Think i'll leave the d.i.y. alone though,after some of my endeavours!! :lol:

Anyway must dash,last day of the ski season and need to say goodbye to people and have a good old drink! :drinking:

[Thing Fish]

I have never had a loan or a credit card,it's not something i do.I either save for what i want,or don't get it!!

A good policy to have. I have been the same since 2004. If I don't have the cash saved I ain't gonna own it..:)