This might work — hook the input pair to your turntable and the other two output pairs to your two phono preamps. Hook each phono pre to a different input on your stereo preamp and just switch inputs to compare the two phono pres. You obviously need two pairs of stereo interconnects to hook up both phono preamps to your stereo preamp, but you might have those on hand and if not they’re obviously easy to find. Best of luck.
https://www.amazon.com/Wv-rcato2-rcakite-05-Stereo-Output-Splitter/dp/B013JO0CGU/ref=sr_1_3?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6ae80oXQ_QIVZjizAB3QnAeKEAAYASAAEgIKCPD_BwE&hvadid=282779888790&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9004289&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9117936897464617218&hvtargid=kwd-483056781576&hydadcr=18920_9699079&keywords=rca+splitter+2+male+to+4+male&qid=1678406024&sr=8-3
Comparing Phono Pre-Amps
Oh Boy, here I go...
Do you all feel there is a easier way to compare Phono Pre-Amps besides connecting/disconnecting each one?
I have thought about if there is a way to take the output from a TT and send it to 2 Phono Pre-Amps and from there, those 2 pre-amps could be connected to an Integrated and from there, you simply switch back and forth?
I have been looking but have not come across such a device.
From what I have researched, most comments have stated to simply have long listening sessions with both back and forth and I get that but wish there was a ability to switch immediately between two.
I know the thought is doing so would introduce all kinds of unnecessary variables that would ultimately degrade the sound and defeat the whole purpose.
But I guess from a technical standpoint, can it be done?
Thnx
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- 15 posts total
I wouldn’t recommend splitters. They may introduce more uncertainty into the equation.
I want to reinforce the idea of long comparisons. A few quick swaps will tell you if there are any huge tonal differences or detail differences. But long… I recommend at least a week listening to music (not the system)… two is better auditions… then switch. This will allow you to understand the sound much more deeply and make the comparison. Typically, taking a lessor component out is where the real moment of understanding comes. |
+1 @ghdprentice but I also understand the OP’s desire to do quick A/B comparisons. IME they can both be beneficial. As a reviewer I used to start with quicker A/B comparisons just to point me to areas of difference I should pay attention to and then listen for those things during longer listening sessions over multiple genres of music to validate and nail my impressions down. I found this to be an efficient, valid, and effective way to compare components, and as a reviewer you have limited time so anything that helps. But that’s me, and everyone works and hears differently so find what works for you and just do it is what I’d say. I know the inexpensive splitter I recommended is likely not optimal, but for 27 bucks it’s sure an easy and low-risk avenue to try, and if it happens to provide the OP with insightful info it could still be very valuable, especially if the quick comparison impressions coincide with longer-term listening impressions. Just my $0.02 FWIW. |
+2 @ghdprentice I basically no longer do A/B tests. I prefer to listen for long enough to something that I have a good sense of its sound. Then listen to the other thing. If changes are not obvious with that type of listening, I am no longer convinced they are all that important. Regarding the use of any type of switching device, I would not want to assume that it has no effect on the cartridge loading. I think you want to go straight from tonearm to phono stage. |
- 15 posts total