2. analog
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Path of signal from turn table to speaker

Hi all, if you could humor a fledgling "audiophile" still learning... can anyone specify how a signal get from a turntable to the speakers? My understanding is that pure analog circuits are for many reasons not common. This means that the signal must first be converted by an ADC (analog to dig convertor). This signal then travels through the amp circuitry and eventually reaches a DAC which then outputs to the speaker. Is this decently accurate?

The second part of this question relates to how an amplifier can affect this signal. I have a rega preamp so I don't need an amp with a phonostage. If this is the case I have a hard time understanding how one amp will differ from another for record playback. I know that amps all differ in there capabilities but the basic formula does not change. Analog signal to digital and then back to analog. When purchasing an amp for records... should i basically just purchase for that amps capabilities and nothing else from the input standpoint?
jwl244

Showing 4 responses by jwl244

jwl244 OP
64 posts
 
thank you optimize. I do try to simplify what comes down to a very complex topic especially when you inject opinions into it aside from the science and facts. This is why I'm glad to be learning still about Hifi audio. Its incredible how much detail is in there. 
jwl244 OP
64 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for the answers. It has helped me clear of things up. I mistyped in my post as well. I have the rega TT- rega phono- CXA81 then speakers. Reading all your responses I realize my question has been more about the last path through the amp. I thought that last part would necessitate processing through the amps DAC as the final step before stereo output. If not then it would seem any amp should do decently through this circuit assuming power needs are met. Other sites i have read have always suggested the amp is not a "silent" partner and will greatly alter the final signal. 
jwl244 OP
64 posts
 
Lewm thank you so much for the description. Its a funny thing but I have read all kinds of forums and such but it still gets me confused when I start looking at components again. I am using the rega phonostage so I would not need the amp to have a phono. It is functioning only as the preamp and amp. I might be referring to the fact like you said some amps have a phono stage. I'm glad I posted because everyone's answers have helped me get some of the details down. My concern was always that the amp would itself process the signal through all these digital pathways which defeats the purpose. As long as I am running the phonostage from rega I just need to connect to the analog line in and be done with it. I'm overthinking things. 
jwl244 OP
64 posts
 
Lewm it would seem then that the phonostage is likely more of what contributes to the sonic output and all its qualities rather than the amp (assuming the pathway is a separate phonostage connected to the amp analog in)? This would also suggest the amps output from a digital rather than analog source should vary greatly as the digital processors including DAC are bypassed through the analog pathways? The sound character could be very different depending on the source. I mention this since many people like to talk about the sonal character of a particular amp. 
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