Phono hook-up for Atma-Sphere MP-1?

Denis,

If I'm reading this right #2 would be "NO" since you would be inputing into a line stage. I can't answer the other questions since I'm not familiar with this preamp and have never had to use an adaptor, but I would think you have two choices for inputing a phono stage. Either use an adaptor or buy a RCA to XLR cable.

Pat

Pat,
I meant phono stage outs - that is, from a separate phono pre amp into the MP-1.
Somebody else has answered that the tape monitor is not a good input for a phono to linestage input for technical reasons, interfering with sonics, but I'm sure Ralph will set us straight if that is not so.
Bottom line seems to be that ideally, one should have a balanced phono stage to best utilise the MP-1.

Denis, I'm not an expert on this and Ralph is certainly the best person to advise, but here are some thoughts. I don't see any reason why the phono output could not go into the tape monitor loop other than the possibility of the tape monitor loop not providing an adequate buffer to the load of the phono stage. If this is a problem, you'll hear it in the frequency response curve and the dynamics. (Ralph can advise best here.) Trust your ears on this: if you don't hear a problem, there is no problem. If you don't hear the frequency extension you're used to hearing with CD, then consider this a potential culprit.

As to the RCA-to-XLR adaptors, the major issue is the addition of another set of connectors/contacts, plus the quality of the adaptors themselves. I've heard that the BAT adaptors are of good quality, but I don't have any firsthand experience. The Walker Audio Extreme SST contact enhancer will help ameliorate the issue of the additional set of contacts, but obviously can't eliminate it.
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