Amazing...


After deciding to dabble in vinyl i've been reading the TT threads and am amazed at the depth and breadth of information offered here. I never new there was so much to it! To get to my question... Since deciding to go vinyl I am now considering the possibility of purchasing TT seperates. Is there a resource available that guides one in this endeavor? I see all kinds of arms for sale with different arm boards. I'm pretty sure you just can't put any arm on any TT but don't know where to begin. I thought I'd start with a Denon (Dp-47F or similar TT) but the more I look and become educated the more I think maybe I should take a different path. Again, thanks in advance.
botit
Hey there Bo:

Just wanted to put in my quick $.02 about the Pioneer Elite that you had. I just happened to pick it up this past weekend (Best Buy, open box sale) and I did hook up my TT to the phono stage as well as using a phono stage (Musical Surroundings Phonomena) to do an A-B comparison. The Pioneer phono stage was lacking a lot of detail and clarity when compared to using a separate phono stage. But I will say that listening to the records via the separate, the amplification and detail were surprisingly decent. Very warm sounding, sometimes a lil digital and bright, but after all, it IS a Pioneer.

So if you're looking to get a TT for this, regardless of the TT setup, if possible budget an extra $200-250 on getting a phono stage also.

Also, FWIW, the 94txh is an awesome HT Receiver too. You have efficient B&Ws so I can't even imagine that sound. I'm using Maggies and they definitely got more punch to it than my old receiver.
Unfortunately, the manual for the Pioneer receiver doesn't list phono stage gain. I would assume, therefore, that a moving magnet cartridge would be required.

Remember to configure the receiver for Direct Analog operation. Home theater receivers will usually convert analog to digital at the input stage (for the various surround processing modes). You don't want that.

I'm actually surprised to see a phono input on an A/V receiver. They were hard to find for a while. It's good that you've got one, but it may be of fairly dubious quality. The fact that the phono stage isn't listed in the specs is a hint towards that assumption.

If you find you're enjoying playing records, adding a good outboard phono pre-amp would probably be a good first upgrade.
Bo you would most likely be better served by initially going with an entry or mid level integrated setup whereby everything fits together for you. After you become familiar & more comfortable, then you could either move up, or upgrade what you have.
Myself I have a reasonable level of experience, yet even I wouldn't try to piece something together as you propose. Having the senior members here help you out with recommendations for a complete setup is your most likely path to satisfaction IMO.
One could recommend the VPI HW-19 series as a good starting point with a flexible upgrade path; many options in that regard.
Specifically the HW-19 MKIII or HW-19 MKIV, which is where I started.
I'm sure there are others too but I couldn't say what... No offense, but I will say that at the Pioneer receiver level you really shouldn't get too carried away; the equipment just isn't all that capable.
You will need a higher output moving magnet type cartrige (vs. moving coil) for compatibility with your rcvr.
OK, so your rcvr has a phono stage. Its not likely to be super great; but it will give you an idea if vinyl is for you.
Thanks, this is my current setup:

Reciever; Pioneer VSX-94txh
Front; B&W 602 S3
Rear; B&W 601 S3
Center; B&W LCR 600 S3
Sub; Outlaw LFM-1

From Pioneer owners manual:
Turntables only: Connect the stereo audio outputs to the PHONO inputs.
• If your turntable has a grounding wire, secure it to the
ground terminal on this receiver.
• If your turntable has line-level outputs (i.e., it has a
built-in phono pre-amp), connect it to the CD inputs instead.
And don't be daunted by all the technical detail you read here. For me, 5 years ago, it was like trying to read a foreign language. Now I understand most everything I read, and I feel like I can make meaningful contributions.
Aside from being a bunch of opininated SOB's (we're famously that!), we audiophiles love to help each other out, teach, give advice, and try to help you get your maximum enjoyment out of your music and your hardware investment.
So stick with it, utilize this valuable resource (Audiogon), and before you know it that DP-47F will be making music you won't believe.

Cheers.
The Denon 47F is a very good choice if you do not want to do to much mixing and matching. The arm is a proprietary design which has its limitations but would not involve much in the way of set up. That or one of the Regas or Music Halls is a good way to give vinyl a try to see if its for you. But make sure your pre-amp or receiver has a phono stage built in. There is additional equalization and amplification required for a TT as opposed to a tuner or CD.
Tell us about the rest of your system, that way we can help you make choices that are balanced with your existing system and budget.