2. analog
  3. 1353504502

RCA output on a turntable?

So I'm wondering what contributes most to the high quality sound of going analog with a turn table. Is it the phono connection, or is it the vinyl record, or both?

The reason I ask is because I would love to get a turntable, but my preamp (AES-3) doesn't have a phono input, so my only 2 options are replace my preamp (which I am strongly opposed to since I've only had it a few months) or find a turntable with RCA outputs. Are there any decent turntables that use RCA, or is this not a feasible option?
hockey4496

Showing 2 responses by paraneer

paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
So now you know you need a phono preamp aka phono stage. Check needledoctor.com for a wide variety of phono preamps. Like any other component, they will range from below $100 to five figures.

To answer your questions about turntables using RCA, they all use RCA outputs - some are hard wired and some have RCA output jacks so can use interconnects of your choosing. A decent entry level table having RCA jacks would be the Pro-ject Carbon. Stepping up to above $1000, would be the VPI Traveler. There are many, many others. Happy hunting.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Assume $700 is the budget for both table and phono stage, right? If so, no problem - Pro-ject Carbon/Ortofon 2M Red at $400 and take you pick of these readily available phono stages:
Pro-ject phono Box DC- $150
Cambridge Audio 551P - $150
NAD PP2i - $170
There are probably a host of others. Either way you are under $600.
Here is a link to a review of the Carbon:
http://www.analogplanet.com/content/pro-ject-produces-carbon-copy-debut-iii-thats

Good luck.
More to discover