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Phonostage

I have a Vintage silver direct drive Pioneer Quartz - PLL - Automatic (model PL - 560) turntable that my husband purchased around 1979.  It currently has a Shure M97xE phono cartridge and N97xE stylus.  At this time I don't have a phono stage.  I listen to Vinyl LP's by directly connecting the TT to our vintage Yamaha amp. I have about 4 dozen vinyl LP's.  Most of them I've recorded to my computer using Audacity at 192/24.  The computer versions have more micro details and clarity than the vinyls played on the turntable. Maybe that's the fault of the vintage Yamaha amp and MA-6 speakers the turntable is connected to, which is not my main system. In the past I purchased a $100 phono stage (to connect to a Harmon Kardon AVR)  and was not impressed with the results I heard.  Yes I know, AVR's stink when it comes to quality music listening.  Since the turntable was never a top-of-the-line model would it make any sense to purchase a phonostage that cost more than the turntable's original price and a better cartridge and stylus? Or should I just forget it?  I will not be investing in a new turntable based system.  I just want to know if it would be worth it to improve on what I already have. So I guess I'm asking (anyone familiar with this vintage TT) "Is my turntable "capable" of increased clarity and details?
mewsickbuff
frogman
7,456 posts
 
I assumed you meant you had an integrated amplifier in your main system since you had previously referred to the Yamaha as simply "amp".  So, you have a preamp (no phono section) and separate amplifier in your main system.   Correct?  Can I also assume that the Yamaha "amp" you refer to is an integrated amplifier (preamp/amp in one chassis)?  When connecting the Yamaha to the preamp in your main system make sure that the source selector is set to "Phono".  Then connect the Yamaha to one of the preamp's inputs as you would any component.  Should work.  Also, MAKE SURE YOU TURN OFF THE COMPONENTS BEFORE PLUGGING/UNPLUGGING CABLES.
frogman
7,456 posts
 
Good to hear.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=RDKIT
czarivey
5,946 posts
 

My few cents:

Go to AudioAdvisor, than go ebay to get same stuff a lot cheaper.

mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
czarivey, thanks, ebay is a favorite online buying site. frogman, yes my Yamaha is an integrated, & I have a pre and power amp in the main system. Connected the Yamaha to a pre-amp input.  My mistake was trying to listen through the "tape out" instead of "phono" but I've got it now. Listening to vinyl the music leans a tad bit toward the warm side with less sibilance and sparkle. But I've never before heard my vinyl this detailed. Same as with CD's, some albums were better engineered than others. But I'm smiling! And surprisingly there's almost no crackle or pop.
terry9
2,341 posts
 
For cleaning vinyl, I suggest Vinyl Stack, a US company. They provide products all the way from hand cleaning to ultrasonic. As the manufacturer, they can offer superior quality for bargain prices.
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