phono stage vs receiver?

[wrat]

Current setup is yamaha rxa 870 using integral phono stage, I'm fairly certain this yamaha digitizes everything so I'm debating whether an outboard phono stage would be worthwhile outside of flexibility, something like the emotiva phono or schitt mani

 

[Vincent Kars]

this yamaha digitizes everything

Including the input from a external phono stage.....

 

[mhardy6647]

Including the input from a external phono stage.....

Yahtzee!

 

[Bob from Florida]

Current setup is yamaha rxa 870 using integral phono stage, I'm fairly certain this yamaha digitizes everything so I'm debating whether an outboard phono stage would be worthwhile outside of flexibility, something like the emotiva phono or schitt mani

If it applies the RIAA corrections in the digital domain - like the Waxwing or Devialet - you may be better off sticking with the internal phono stage. I have heard a lot of phono stages and my Waxwing does the job better than most. No reason to fear a quality A to D conversion. Most records from the mid 1980's on are cut from digital masters anyway. Now, if an outboard phono gives you some features you desire, then find something that checks those boxes. If this is just the need to play with something - I get it - have some fun trying some products.

 

[WDeranged]

As a surround amp I'm not thinking it'll have a good preamp. Even their stereo amps don't have a great phono input unless you get into the silly money. My own A-S301 sounds a bit dull. I've tried a good amount of external preamps and they've all sounded better than my amps internal pre.

I'd go for a Schiit Mani or iFi Zen Phono. They're both much brighter (in a good way) and more dynamic. I'd wager that even with the digitized input they will sound better.

 

[spiral scratch]

My own A-S301 sounds a bit dull.

The specs are 14dB better on the OPs phono vs yours, so I wouldn't say that it's not good. If it's anything close to 96dB spec it'll be better s/n than the majority of phonos measured here. It's kind of strange that they even bothered to add a phono section on something this new, but I guess it's a thing.

If you have an audio shop around you might be able to get a loaner to try out.

 

[wrat]

might have phrased question wrong , I know it will digitize an external phono stage , thats not the point of a new one , just wonder about the quality of the internal one

 

[Bob from Florida]

might have phrased question wrong , I know it will digitize an external phono stage , thats not the point of a new one , just wonder about the quality of the internal one

Only way to answer that question is to try a different preamp. Are you dissatisfied with the way the current phono stage performs?

 

[wrat]

Only way to answer that question is to try a different preamp. Are you dissatisfied with the way the current phono stage performs?

dissatisfied? not really, curious more likely, even more curious is would I be able to even tell the difference

 

[LTig]

dissatisfied? not really, curious more likely, even more curious is would I be able to even tell the difference

According to the manual of the RXA 870 its phono input has a frequency response of +/- 0.5 dB which is not bad. S/N of 96 dB based on 35 mV translates to 76 dB for 3.5 mV which is better than vinyl can offer.

What the specs do not state is the input capacitance. If it is too high it will have a major influence on the frequency response which is audible.This depends on the pickup (recommended capacitive load) and the capacitance of the cable between the TT and the phono input. Since the former 2 are fix a phono preamp with differing input capacitance could sound different.

 

[Bob from Florida]

dissatisfied? not really, curious more likely, even more curious is would I be able to even tell the difference

In that case, I suggest you order something and try it. If there is a large improvement, I suspect it will be easily noticed. If it is a small change, not so easy. Might want to order from a vendor allowing returns. That way, the cost of the knowledge is kept lower - restocking and shipping charges versus having to resale on the used market.

 

[spiral scratch]

Or as I suggested if you have a local shop that handles phono gear, just go and have a chat with the staff there. They may offer a demo/loaner model for you to take home and try out.

And as LTig said the input capacitance may vary from different amplifiers and dependng on your cartridge may make a better load = better sound.

Knowing the cartridge you are using will help determine which phono may be most suitable.

 

[wrat]

Or as I suggested if you have a local shop that handles phono gear, just go and have a chat with the staff there. They may offer a demo/loaner model for you to take home and try out.

And as LTig said the input capacitance may vary from different amplifiers and dependng on your cartridge may make a better load = better sound.

Knowing the cartridge you are using will help determine which phono may be most suitable.

Unfortunately no such thing around here,
I have 3 carts:
Super OM10
Stanton L747s
Audio Technica ATvm95ml

 

[spiral scratch]

You can look up the specs on those carts using a web search or try your luck here: https://www.vinylengine.com/cartrid...chi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=&notes=&prlo=&prhi=

Then you have to find out what is the input impedance of your receiver's phono input and see if it's a good match. You can add capacitance to the input if it's too low for your cartridge, but not if it's too high. Otherwise, look around for a phono amp that works.

If you're having trouble figuring it out post up the specs and someone will help you out.

 

[LTig]

You can look up the specs on those carts using a web search or try your luck here: https://www.vinylengine.com/cartrid...chi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=&notes=&prlo=&prhi=

Then you have to find out what is the input impedance of your receiver's phono input and see if it's a good match.

You also need to know the capacitance of the cable. It must be added to the input capacitance.

You can add capacitance to the input if it's too low for your cartridge, but not if it's too high. Otherwise, look around for a phono amp that works.

If you're having trouble figuring it out post up the specs and someone will help you out.

Yep.

 

[wrat]

if its not part of the rxa 870 published specs where/how to find?

 

[LTig]

if its not part of the rxa 870 published specs where/how to find?

Ask the support people.