2. amps-preamps
  3. 131387-103089

Just retired and want to get back to vinyl listening

I'm reeducating myself.... after years of no TT and focusing on just stereo listening.. I had a some early Klipsch Hersey’s and some GENESIS speakers pair with Yamaha receiver and low end turntable 30-40 years ago -- I can afford a higher end setup this days -- so what are thoughts on pairing a luxman l-550axII with Klipsch cornwalls?

I like the Herseys for music in the day.. cornwalls seem to be larger herseys but may well need audtion some of the tower types folks seem to tout..

I still thinking on TT -- but may get a VPI scout or prime -- thinking through the cartridge choices and other things is still a serious education -- recc?

music taster are varied -- jazz to singer vocalist miles davis - linda Ronstadt and a host of others for vocal musics and instruments- soft rock of the 70-80s- to some classical

thoughts -- looking to 15-20K for the refit for stereo listening - but could stretch some if I like the setup

steventoney

Showing 4 responses by cleeds

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,691 posts
 
co93
One thing I mention that is rarely brought up is cartridges where they stylus extends past the body of the cartridge versus those there the stylus hangs below it .   The former are more exposed to damage.
 How can a cartridge trace a groove if the stylus doesn't extend below it?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,691 posts
 
...
given the comment on cartridges -- curious as to why more TT/tonearms would not have balance outputs ...
They do have balanced outputs - don't let the RCA connectors fool you. And you can feed those balanced outputs into a balanced phono preamplifier - some of which also use RCA connectors on the input.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,691 posts
 
fsonicsmith
OK, you will have to explain this one to me. Many turntable manufacturers offer DIN outputs but you are obviously saying that those that only offer RCA outputs (like VPI's for example) are actually balanced. IMHO, you won't find too many phono stages that offer balanced operation
Most phono cartridges are inherently balanced; they have separate left, right, grounds and shield. There are many fine, truly balanced phono stages, such as Audio Research, and a good argument can be made that the phono section is the most beneficial place in a system to use balanced operation.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,691 posts
 
fsonicsmith
Yes, I have read, heard, and known for some time that phono cartridges with their four pins are true balanced. That is not the issue I am asking you to address. I am instead asking you how RCA outputs from a typical modern table can be used in balanced form as you clearly stated.
That depends on the balanced phono preamp’s inputs. If it uses RCA connectors - such as ARC - then all you need is a pair of RCA cables. (You may or may not choose to also use the separate shield.) If the inputs are on XLR connectors, then you’d obviously need to use XLR connectors on the phono preamp end and whatever else you need on the pickup arm arm end, be it DIN-to-XLR, or RCA-to-XLR. Or you can get a pickup arm breakout box that terminates in XLR connectors or whatever connector of your choosing.
More to discover