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
lewm
12,867 posts
 
There is one more variant that probably ought to be mentioned. There are also products called integrated amplifiers. An integrated amplifier can sometimes contain a phono stage, a line stage, and an amplifier, all in one box. Other integrated amplifiers would contain a linestage and amplifier all in one box, but no phono section. And that latter case you would have to purchase a phono stage separately.
lewm
12,867 posts
 
I think I now understand the source of your confusion. I looked up the Cambridge audio CXA 81, which you say is your amplifier. The product is an integrated amplifier of the type I just described. It incorporates a line stage and an amplifier on one chassis. But it also incorporates a digital to analog converter(DAC). That section of the amplifier should be regarded as an accessory to its major purpose. You can feed the DAC section a digital signal direct from for example a CD player or a CD transport and it will convert the digital signal to analog to feed the line stage and amplifier. This has nothing to do with the basic pathway of the amplification system. I am not sure whether your Cambridge Audio device also has a built in phono stage, but if it does not, you need that also to play records.
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,336 posts
 
Good answers  guys. No Dac is needed .But you need a phono stage pre amp.If there is none built into your amp. Play your vinyl and enjoy.
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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