At what point is that performance inaudable? We are talking about vinyl. When the surface noise (distortion ) is more than 10db higher than the the preamp noise dose a lower noise preamp make any difference?
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Michael Fidler Spartan 20 Phono Stage Review
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Vladimir Filevski
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Some people are buying expensive stuff just because of technical excellence - like buying super-fast Ferrari or Porsche although speed limit is 80 mph.
So, Is there any cheaper MM/MC preamplifier with the same (or better) measured performance?
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D
Deleted member 77012
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Right.
So: Isn’t a – well, rather expensive – phono stage anything else but a tool to highlight some of the system immanent limitations of the given source after all?
Read his webpage.
SPARTAN 20 MM & MC Phono Stage by Michael Fidler
Low noise moving magnet and moving coil phono stage, with low frequency crossfeed and dual RCA outputs
michaelfidler.com
Jimster480
Major Contributor
What is the purpose of a phono preamp? Can a turntable not be plugged into an amp?
Robin L
Master Contributor
It wasn't until relatively recently that so many turntables come with built-in phono preamps. Back when LPs were the default format, receivers all came with phono sections, much like current integrated amps are likely to have built-in DACs. One would want an outboard phono preamp in circumstances where neither the turntable or the amp has a phono section, or cases where the available phono section is underperforming. Because phono preamps operate with extremely low signal levels from the phono cartridges, it's harder to get them to properly perform than most other electronics.
OP
- Thread Starter
- #48
Frequency response errors are still common in phono stages as is channel differential. This can be far more audible than results of distortion and noise tests.
I disagree, Changing gear is a more complex task than holding the steering-wheel straight, also you need your best hand to changed the radio or lit a ciggarrete, not to mention to stroke the hair of your girlfriend, you see you need your best hand for the important things while drivingThe correct side of the road, I think you mean.
Most cars are manual transmission, and most drivers are right handed. Therefore when you change gear you keep your best hand doing the most important job.
As it happens I do agree about switches up/down.
However we do at least say aluminium correctly.
Nick, Welwyn, Herts, UK
welwynnick
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Steering is most important.
Then braking.
Then everything else.
If you miss a gear you can always leave it in neutral and you'll live to tell the tale, but you have to keep steering.
No matter, soon all cars will be automatic, electric, or self driving, and it will be moot.
But one thing we won't change is which side of the road we drive on.
That's one thing we Brits did get right (besides the language).
Whether a switch should be up for on - yeah - I'll grant you that.
Then braking.
Then everything else.
If you miss a gear you can always leave it in neutral and you'll live to tell the tale, but you have to keep steering.
No matter, soon all cars will be automatic, electric, or self driving, and it will be moot.
But one thing we won't change is which side of the road we drive on.
That's one thing we Brits did get right (besides the language).
Whether a switch should be up for on - yeah - I'll grant you that.
I think it’s really just whatever you’re most used to. I don’t believe that I’d have more trouble steering or shifting with either hand with a modicum of practice.
That said, it does seem like the shift gate pattern benefits right hand drive drivers. I always find the shift to 5th and reverse in my five speed to be more awkward than the shift to 1st and 2nd, because I’m pushing away rather than pulling toward. But I don’t shift into those gears very often because reverse is just for parking and 5th is just set once on the highway and cruise.
Oh, and are most cars in the UK manual? I was just in London and took Uber a lot because it’s generally cheaper than public transport for four people. Granted most of the Ubers were electric, but we didn’t ride in a single manual transmission car.
Jimster480
Major Contributor
Thanks for the breakdown, I didn't realize that Phonos worked that way. My parents had one but I have never had one or even used one.
JSmith
Master Contributor
In addition to @Robin L's post, also RIAA EQ needs to be applied;
RIAA equalization - Wikipedia
JSmith
Jimster480
Major Contributor
Interesting, I thought the RIAA was just a body of people who conducts lawsuits against everyone for "digital music piracy". Had no idea that they ever did anything meaningful.In addition to @Robin L's post, also RIAA EQ needs to be applied;
RIAA equalization - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
JSmith
polmuaddib
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That is a huge advantage for MC then. I understand.
Is it measurable? Signal to pops and clicks ratio, I mean.
Thanks
solderdude
Grand Contributor
Daaannngg I see a new 'op-amp rolling' thread being started in the near future seeing the op-amps are mounted in sockets.
One thing is for sure ... there will likely be more measurable differences here.
Yes, till recently well over 70% were manual, changes in tech are going to make the numbers plummet soon. There was a separate test you could do were you got a licence to only drive automatics, it was very rare people did this till recently. The normal test was done in a manual car, and your licence covered both types. My current car is automatic, had it for 9 years, still miss a proper gearbox most of the time, so much better for fun driving.
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