New Phono ADC/Pre from MiniDSP

[DOSRuler]

If I hook up a computer via USB into the ADept and send it 24/96 music data

Sorry, one of us is mixed up her and it's probably me... as I understand this and as ban25 points out this is as an ADC and is essentially a product intended to digitize vinyl records or line level sources such as tapes and things or even phono output from the line out of a receive after it has been through the RIAA curve and is being output via a tape out for example. The USB is an output not an input... right? That's how it worked so you can digitzie your vinyl and your computer can see it and record it with your software.

 

[DOSRuler]

Sorry for the typos... been up way too late the last few nights! Lol

 

[DWPress]

I've been hoping for something like this for years. It has modern functionality and components to finally replace my 30+ year old MSB PAD-1 ADC which I measured in this post. But after reading the literature the UI looks like a nightmare to turn the knob and push buttons to configure the settings, not sure if the remote would make it easier. I'll look forward to seeing Amir's review when it comes out.

 

[EJ3]

Yes, the lack of analog output, and as @USER mentions, the odd selections of loading options are curious. Not show stoppers, but a bit disappointing. Analog output would add cost, and for many would not be a show stopper, as most folks these days have a DAC. And I suppose you could EQ out the impact of less than the best loading? Don’t see myself replacing my Apt Holman, but if I didn’t have that, I’d certainly consider this and the Waxwing as options.

I have 2 APT/Holman's & they are great. If I did not have them:
It does look like others are getting there and with options that we could only dream of before.
Michael Fiddlers Classic Audio, Waxwing & now this.
I have been looking at this (as I knew it was coming) but the loading options have thrown a wrench into it, (more research by me is needed, I guess) even though the exact load doesn't always seem so critical if one is in the range. But the ranges here are very far apart. Maybe 3 more points 0, 300 & 400?

 

[kadajawi]

I'll add, this is essentially a $300 product intended to digitize vinyl records. If you're not doing that, its probably not for you.

My pre amp is a MiniDSP Flex HT, which means I need this, the Waxwing or a phono amp plus an ADC to listen to vinyl.

 

[mglobe]

My pre amp is a MiniDSP Flex HT, which means I need this, the Waxwing or a phono amp plus an ADC to listen to vinyl.

I believe that type of application is the primary intended purpose for this product.

 

[kadajawi]

I believe that type of application is the primary intended purpose for this product.

I agree, next to digitalizing audio (which is a nice bonus). Unfortunately, the remotes seem to be identical and use the same IR codes...

 

[melloncolliecat]

Hmm, if used as a phono pre, it seems you can only use the unbalanced inputs...

One moment, please...

 

[EJ3]

Hmm, if used as a phono pre, it seems you can only use the unbalanced inputs...

One moment, please...

There are lots of complaints around here about the SINAD of LPs, can people hear the difference between unbalanced & balanced with a phono pre?
I have to admit the only place I ever used balance was when I was running a sound board for live bands.
At home, nothing in my extensive systems are balanced. I only have one run that is more than 3 feet & that is from a phono pre & it's 12 feet.

 

[mglobe]

Hmm, if used as a phono pre, it seems you can only use the unbalanced inputs...

One moment, please...

How many turntables are configured with balanced inputs? The much beloved Waxwing doesn't have it.

 

[EJ3]

How many turntables are configured with balanced inputs? The much beloved Waxwing doesn't have it.

That might be what they should be as they are inherently balanced from the cartridge but it was made (with just very few exceptions) into RCA within the structure of the TT itself because that RCA became the standard (and still very much is [there are very, very few balanced systems in homes due to the unacceptability by the majority from an aesthetic perspective] {and RCA connectors can certainly be SINAD beyond what we can hear}). There are, naturally, a very minute amount of case's where it is needed BUT it's normally a case in which excellence is the enemy of "good 'nuff".
I do not get any negative effects from running a TT out to a phono preamp and then from the phono preamp 12 feet to the amp.
If someone does have an issue with that short of a run with something that has less than a score of 80 SINAD to begin with, they likely have other issues that should be should be solved.
Because balanced connectors will just be a band-aid on the issues.
On the other hand, some people just like them for whatever reason.
It would surprise me if the reason is an actual reason regarding functionality.
I could be wrong, my wife tells me that sometimes I am...

 

[melloncolliecat]

Well, maybe a facepalm was a bit of an over reaction from me... But with the XLR inputs already on the device, it's bit of a missed opportunity.

I'm generally fine with just RCA's and definitely wouldn't hear a difference if, for instance, using balanced headphone cables. I do however have some noise issues with my turntables, and there is a slight improvement when running balanced.

Not many TT's have balanced outputs, no, but if the tonearm has a 5-pin DIN output, it makes things easier...

 

[thewas]

Not many TT's have balanced outputs, no, but if the tonearm has a 5-pin DIN output, it makes things easier...

By the way only MC cartridges offer real symmetrical outputs. (with few rather older MM exceptions)

 

[EJ3]

By the way only MC cartridges offer real symmetrical outputs. (with few rather older MM exceptions)

As I said, not usually needed. I've never run an MC in my life & don't feel the need to.
I'm quite happy with my Technics SL-M3 and the T4P carts that I have for it.

 

[thewas]

As I said, not usually needed. I've never run an MC in my life & don't feel the need to.
I'm quite happy with my Technics SL-M3 and the T4P carts that I have for it.

I didn't discuss need, just posted a mere technical fact.

 

[EJ3]

Well, maybe a facepalm was a bit of an over reaction from me... But with the XLR inputs already on the device, it's bit of a missed opportunity.

I'm generally fine with just RCA's and definitely wouldn't hear a difference if, for instance, using balanced headphone cables. I do however have some noise issues with my turntables, and there is a slight improvement when running balanced.

Not many TT's have balanced outputs, no, but if the tonearm has a 5-pin DIN output, it makes things easier...

Only seen those with 5-pin DIN in Europe.
As to if it works better for you, great, use it.
But, in most cases, it's a toss-up. For me, more of a pain to make look good to the one that I live with (who would accept it if that is what I thought was best) but why do it when it's not necessary. She accepts a lot more than most that I dated over the years (why I stayed single until I was 48) but she will definitely let me know when I have reached her limit.
It's just higher that the others where in the categories that are important to me.
Within that quite a bit larger than most other's subset, I literally do have the "Happy wife, Happy life" thing going on.
No discussions about what car we should have, she buys what she wants (I maintain it, insure it, fuel it etc). I buy what I want.
When we go somewhere together & she feels that we should use her vehicle, then she says: "We're taking my car & you drive."
I'm easy, she is typically not very demanding, so that is what we do. She manages me with finesse and I therefore return the same.
We got into an argument one time when she felt I was not putting my foot down enough & being a pushover to her when she felt that I should be taking a stand opposing her and I should be more demanding. After that, we found our balance.

 

[mglobe]

Well, maybe a facepalm was a bit of an over reaction from me... But with the XLR inputs already on the device, it's bit of a missed opportunity.

I'm generally fine with just RCA's and definitely wouldn't hear a difference if, for instance, using balanced headphone cables. I do however have some noise issues with my turntables, and there is a slight improvement when running balanced.

Not many TT's have balanced outputs, no, but if the tonearm has a 5-pin DIN output, it makes things easier...

TBH, it was the facepalm that made me react.

 

[melloncolliecat]

Only seen those with 5-pin DIN in Europe.

I was referring to the connectors on tonearms, like this one: https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/up...,t_large/v1625995736/bjyaayfzmvxskgxi2htq.jpg
To connect with something like this: https://mk-analogue.com/wp-content/...pol-din-auf-xlr-symmetrisch-mk-analougue.webp

 

[EJ3]

I was referring to the connectors on tonearms, like this one: https://rvb-img.reverb.com/image/up...,t_large/v1625995736/bjyaayfzmvxskgxi2htq.jpg
To connect with something like this: https://mk-analogue.com/wp-content/...pol-din-auf-xlr-symmetrisch-mk-analougue.webp

The very same thing that I was referring to. I was concieved in the USA but born in Salzburg, Austria. The audio bug started in me when I was 14 & in Austria. So I am familiar. It's not a common connection in the USA (and is not on my Technics SL-M3 turntable, which was bought in Germany):

Or my Dual 1229 , nor does anyone else I know have a turntable that uses that connector.
So, not common here.

 

[melloncolliecat]

The very same thing that I was referring to. I was concieved in the USA but born in Salzburg, Austria. The audio bug started in me when I was 14 & in Austria. So I am familiar. It's not a common connection in the USA (and is not on my Technics SL-M3 turntable, which was bought in Germany):

Or my Dual 1229 , nor does anyone else I know have a turntable that uses that connector.
So, not common here.

I'd say it's non-existent on turntables, I've only seen it on tonearms. I heard it really should be called a JIS connector, as it's not actually the same as the DIN connector you can find on, for instance, old Lencos...