2. amps-preamps
  3. 157750-146077

Advice/Warnings for a newbie

Hi

I've had way too much free time and gone down a few rabbit holes purchasing some older gear, some of which I've got a little experience with and some none... but was curious, because I am not the best technically, if any of the more seasoned audiophiles might have any advice regarding my chain. I'm replacing my 30w Pioneer receiver with separates (put all my specs in the below list) – I got the preamp as a family hand-me-down and I've just bought the monoblocks (having service done now) so I've not heard it all together yet. The player and speakers I've been using forever. But will I OK in terms of matching impedances, gain, etc? Oh, and I'm installing a dedicated line for the monoblocks and was looking at a Niagara 1200 as power conditioner for the rest.... any tips greatly appreciated!


Technics SL1200M3D
Tonearm: Jelco 750D
External PSU: Paul Hynes SR4
+
Cart: Nagaoka MP150
Type: Moving Iron
Output voltage: 1kHz, 5cm/sec:4.5mV
Frequency range: 20-20kHz
Material: diamond, nude
Stylus type: elliptical 0.4 x 0.7 mil
Tracking force range: 1.5–2g
Tracking force, recommended: 1.8g
Recommended load capacitance: 150-200pF

>>

Phono Stage: RCM Sensor 2 
Input: RCA – Balanced and Unbalanced (selectable via switch)
Output: Balanced XLR / Unbalanced (single ended)
Input sensitivity: 0.3–5mV (selectable in 7 steps)
Gain: 52–76dB (2 VRMS output at 1 kHz)
Input impedance: 20–47kΩ (selectable in 8 steps)
Input capacitance: 150 pF
THD: 0,01% (1kHz)
RIAA linearity: +/-0,3dB (20Hz–20kHz)
Nominal output: 2V rms
Max. output level: 8V rms
Output impedance: 70 ohm
S/N: 85dB (lowest gain settings)
RIAA linearity: +/- 0,3dB (20Hz–20kHz)

>>

Cello Palette Preamplifier
Maximum output: 8V RMS (single-ended), 16V RMS (balanced)
Line Gain (Switchable): 0dB, 6dB, 9dB, 12dB, 18dB
THD (ref. 6V): 0.084%
Input impedance (Unbalanced): 1MΩ
Output Impedance: 150Ω

Running Balanced into >>

Pass Labs Aleph 2 (Monoblocks)
Topology: Class A, single-ended
Power Output: 100W into 8Ω / 200W into 4Ω
Maximum Output: 10A, 40V (Peak)
Gain (Balanced): 20dB
Gain (Unbalanced): 20dB
Gain (Unbalanced, XLR Jumpered): 26dB
Distortion (100W, 8Ω, 20Hz-20kHz): 0.5%
Input Impedance (Balanced): 25kΩ
Input Impedance (Unbalanced): 10kΩ
Output Impedance: 0.1Ω
Damping Factor: 100
Common Mode Rejection: 60dB
Power Consumption: 300w
Output Noise: 600μV
DC Offset: <100mV

>>

A/D/S L1290 Loudspeakers
Frequency responce: 40hz–27khz,
Impedance: 8Ω nominal
Efficiency: 90dB SPL from 2.8 VRMS (1W)
Crossovers: 500hz and 5khz, 12dB/Octave slopes

au_lait

Showing 9 responses by au_lait

au_lait OP
355 posts
 
@millercarbon Greatly appreciate your advice. I understand your note on compensating for the analytical with neutral, that’s extremely helpful. And for the speaker sensitivity, this type of fundamental guidance is exactly what I was after. Cheers!

Thanks everyone. I’m definitely in no rush, (still only window shopping regarding power) but as long as I’m not going to blow anything up I’ll be enjoying the music!
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
Thank you Dill for the power cable recommendations.
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
Thank you all, very much appreciated.

Should have mentioned cartridge is next on my list to move up with, had actually been looking at Hana as well, thank you for the recommendation. I had been reluctant to jump from MM to MC just yet, (I did buy that phonostage in particular for its gain versatility) but was going to edge up toward the top of Nagaoka MP500 line (which does drop voltage from 4.5mv to 3mv and extends high frequency response from 20k to 25k). Thankfully being a lifelong DJ I have a second identical player at my disposal so I plan to have a vinyl buddy over and shoot out some carts A/B. I don’t want to overstep my player with a cart.

I didn’t mention ICs or power cords yet, just because wanted to see if anyone saw any red flags elsewhere like the 100w class A with that 90db speaker efficiency (that’s middle of the road in terms of efficiency, right?).

IC’s - I tried not to break the bank while finding my footing in that world. I had to get some Fischer > XLR ICs made (was repeatedly advised Cello String were not worth my time, and I don’t want to mod the Cello for XLR outputs in case it doesn’t stay in my chain, rather keep it original) so I have Steve Huang at AudioSensibility make those using his Statement SE cables. He also made Phonostage > Preamp ICs with the same. Was planning on sticking with him for power cords for the turntable power and Preamp (need both regardless) but for the Alephs I read from Nelson Pass that they don’t need anything fancy:

“The power draw of this system is constant regardless of the music playing through the amplifier. As such, it does not depend on a high quality AC outlet or special power cords, since the dynamic performance does not create a variation in AC line draw. If the AC line is running low, the output stage will bias to a higher current level by way of compensation.”

Of course it’s a 30 year old amp, but I figured as long as I get them onto their own dedicated circuit and off the default circuit that shares with my fridge and stove (can actually hear disruptions in the sound when the stove ignites) then that’s at least a start.

Speaker cables, I’m currently using Kimber (gift from a friend when I got the speakers).

As for the Niagara, after lurking on these forums for a while now, I expected these reactions. Was also looking at the Shunyata Hydras, but again, not a priority.
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
@mrdecibel Unless I pull from my box of random power cords, I do need to purchase 2x for my amps (that idle at 300w), 1 for my pre, and 1 for my turntable PSU. So, I will be buying SOMETHING. Was going to start here (keeping it a one-stop shop): https://audiosensibility.com/blog/products-2/power-cables-2/#!/Impact-SE-Power-Cable/p/11455990/category=2595837 about $130 and Steve over there has been a real joy to deal with. Thanks for the trial period tip, will def take advantage!
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
Thanks for the insights @minorl - yes there are about 10,000 records in my room I'm about to RE-discover! Going to cool it on the buying for a bit.

@cd318 - I too love the Nagaoka designs, unlike most people. I may just step 1 or 2 models up in their offering and grab a comparable Hana cart, live with both for a while. I listen to so much variety of music, extreme contrasts in dynamics. I'm also digitizing records as I go (for my use in the DJ world - unfortunately vinyl capabilities are scarce these days) using a pretty nice Prism Sound Lyra ADC.

@mike_in_nc I'm fortunate in that way I know, the Palette outlived its original owner. I found some Fischer connectors domestically Percy audio in Maine and have the Fischer > XLR being made by AudioSensibility in Toronto (to match a couple of their other ICs I already own).

Very excited to sink in now for some years!
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
I just looked at Chuck Miller's system photos, and will now keep my mouth shut for some time.
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
@grey9hound Thank you for this link, much appreciated. 
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
@millercarbon Apologies, it was obnoxious to post all those specs, I just had it all noted in 1 file for quick reference and copy/pasted here. I appreciate the advice. I’m a touring DJ, used to large systems in large rooms for large crowds, so I’m coming into this from a different angle perhaps. As for the lean, detailed and hifi – there are some things I can’t really part with, the Cello being one of them (sentimental reasons) and the 1200s (I know they’re a bit beneath most of you but they are my axe, if you will). So, that’s the main reason I’m trying separates, I’m basing the system around the Palette for now, as I won’t be swapping that out. I also digitize a lot of my records for use as a DJ (which is now mostly digital) but to play a lot of older music alongside modern productions, I have to EQ ever so slightly, usually with the low end, another reason the Palette is staying. As for the clinical sounding system, I am constantly evaluating masters and test pressings for a record label, so I would prefer less color and less high frequency roll off. But, my speakers, I know, are not that. Reason I mentioned a dedicated AC line, is that the current outlet in my room shares with kitchen appliances, and the sound literally drops here and there when my wife lights the stove (and she is English which means that’s 200 times per day for tea). This is regardless of any noise issues, it feels simply unsafe. Do you think running a new 20amp line into my music room is overkill?

@austinbob I do love these speakers, smooth, sweet, feels appropriate for much of the music I listen to. I’ve run them at 30w for years but heard another pair at a friends with much higher wattage and it was it made me really jealous. I decided I wanted to replace my amp. They can lack bass depending on what genre I’m listening to, I’ve heard a pair of A/D/S L1530s elsewhere which did pull out some more bottom end. I've yet to hear the L1290s with the Palette.

I’ve not talked about how it sounds yet is I’m awaiting a voltage conversion before I can listen at all, just anxious. I guess I was mostly looking for some confirmation that I hadn’t GROSSLY mismatched anything, hence the numbers.
au_lait OP
355 posts
 
I live Los Angeles. Power grid from hell. My experience with conditioners is limited to the rackmount Furmans I used to use in all my live situations, but this was in the 90s, I have however read loads in the last month of quarantine about the offerings new from Shunyata, AudioQuest, Equitech, IsoTek, PS, etc etc etc... but also considered just installing the new line from the power box with some of those Furutech wall sockets and starting there, seeing how much noise I can reduce. I can do the electrical myself and me out the door for a couple hundred.
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