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October 29, 2015 - 9:12am
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Phono Preamp for Pioneer SA9800 Integrated Amp
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Do you have a volume issue? You don't feel that the volume on your turntable is where you would like it to be so you are looking to boost the signal to get higher volume? Is this in comparison to other components that are attached to the same integrated?
There are several variables including the cartridge on the turntable that could be creating your issue.
Incidentally, first rate choice on that table. The Traveler is an awesome unit.
It is a volume issue only for the turntable. I have my CD player connected via the Aux jack and a cassette tape deck connected that pump out wonderful volume. I understand that both those units will sound louder than an LP, but if i can get increased power/volume by using a satellite phono pre-amp, I'll do that.
What cartridge do you have on the Traveler? That is the other variable that we have to know to make a recco.
It sounds as if you are not aware of the issues of equalization and gain relative to LPs.
The signal that comes from an LP though a cartridge is not only at a voltage level that is too low for an ordinary amplifier input, it also is not in any condition to be played back due to lack of equalization.
When an LP is created, the cutting lathe is fed a signal that has the bass reduced by a HUGE amount to prevent the low-frequency information from overloading the cutting head of the lathe. The bass that is actually recorded on the LP is at a severely reduced level.The treble is also modified.
So, if you take the signal from an LP and feed it to an amplifier without going through an RIAA Equalization circuit to restore the frequency balance, you will have way too much treble and essentially ZERO bass!
A phono preamp has both an RIAA Equalization circuit and a gain stage; both are absolutely essential.
This is why a phono preamp is absolutely essential; to restore the information coming off of the LP to a usable condition by applying RIAA Equalization and added gain.
The cables from the turntable to the Phono Preamp should be kept to less than 2 feet in length. The cables from the Phono Preamp to the amplifier can be up to 6 feet long.
The Pro-Ject Phono box is a good Phono Preamp that is only $129 and can be used with either MC or MM cartridges.
(Suggestion- Look up the article on Riaa Equalization from Wikipedia)
P.S.- In researching the SA9800, it seems to have two PHONO inputs, which have a phono preamp section integral to them within the unit. One seems to be for MM only and the other for either MM or MC. Have you tried using them and they are not functioning properly? In any case, the Phono Box will probably perform better than the phono inputs of the Pioneer.
I'm aware of RIAA equalization and the nuances of vinyl transfer. I just want a good recommendation on whether to purchase a separate phono preamp to improve the sound of my LPs. The 'table currently has a new Grado Silver cartridge (MM), which is a middle of the road item, I've read. Again, the amp is functioning properly, but like a Mercedes that operates best on high grade fuel, I am looking to assist it in getting optimum sound from my vinyl. Sounds like the Pro-ject preamp will be a good item to try. Thanks for that suggestion.
I was curious if the output level was particularly low or odd in some other way. That Grado Silver at 5mV is middling.
I like the Vincent PHO-8 for $299. It has an outboard power supply, is super quiet and is a great value for the money. The Absolute Sound recently reviewed it and have it as a recommended component and I personally have had one for several months and love it. Given how nice your table is, I think the extra $100 might be worth it.