Phono Preamplifier

[Dave B]

I currently have a Technics SLBD20D turntable with an AT85EP P mount cartridge using the preamp stage of a Yamaha RN803. Would there be any benefit in considering a separate preamp and if so which ones to consider and what would the benefits would be? All opinions appreciated. Thank you!

 

[twinkletoes]

There is a benefit, but in all honesty, you'll see far more benefit in changing your cart first to a slightly higher-end model, you don't need to go mad though. That's if other carts fit that player which I'm sure they do.

 

[Dave B]

Thank you! I believe that I am limited to a P mount cartridge but I could be wrong about that.

 

[twinkletoes]

Thank you! I believe that I am limited to a P mount cartridge but I could be wrong about that.

You are yes, you're best to ring around a few dealers and see what you have at your disposal I'm sure there's plenty and there easily postably.

It will be the best £ $ you spend.

You'll be breathing new life into your records and hearing detail and bass you never knew was there. It's that pronounced. spend around 100-150 and make sure you get one with replaceable tips like the ortofon 2m series.

I'm sure there will be someone along that can recommend some P mount variants to you.

 

[bigfish786]

You can buy a P-mount adapter and try a new cart, theres Loads out there to try. Audio Technica make some seriously good budget carts, well worth looking into.

 

[Al ears]

You can buy a P-mount adapter and try a new cart, theres Loads out there to try. Audio Technica make some seriously good budget carts, well worth looking into.

unfortunately the adapters I have seen allow you to fit a p mount to a standard headshell and not the other way as around.....

 

[Dave B]

You are yes, you're best to ring around a few dealers and see what you have at your disposal I'm sure there's plenty and there easily postably.

It will be the best £ $ you spend.

You'll be breathing new life into your records and hearing detail and bass you never knew was there. It's that pronounced. spend around 100-150 and make sure you get one with replaceable tips like the ortofon 2m series.

I'm sure there will be someone along that can recommend some P mount variants to you.

Thank you 🙂

 

[Dave B]

unfortunately the adapters I have seen allow you to fit a p mount to a standard headshell and not the other way as around.....

Thank you! I will try calling a couple of dealers.

 

[Al ears]

You are yes, you're best to ring around a few dealers and see what you have at your disposal I'm sure there's plenty and there easily postably.

It will be the best £ $ you spend.

You'll be breathing new life into your records and hearing detail and bass you never knew was there. It's that pronounced. spend around 100-150 and make sure you get one with replaceable tips like the ortofon 2m series.

I'm sure there will be someone along that can recommend some P mount variants to you.

He probably has the best that is currently available already fitted....

 

[Dave B]

He probably has the best that is currently available already fitted....

Maybe need to consider a new TT then.

 

[bigfish786]

Audio Technica AT-PMA1 Universal P-mount to 1/2" Adapter 4961310141592 | eBay

Audio Technica AT-HS1 Headshell dimush29(271). All in One Music Systems. Stylus Cleaners. Portable Music Players. Adapter screw and nut included. Pro-Ject Turntable Spare Parts. Valve and Tube Essentials.

www.ebay.co.uk

this should do it.

 

[Dave B]

Thanks but does this not adapt a non-p mount tone arm to a p mount cartridge not the other way around unless I misunderstand?

 

[bigfish786]

As far as I can see, this fits onto a P-Mount arm, to be able to use a 1/2 inch (normal) cartridge.
tbh, I don’t think there would be many people wanting to do the other way round.
I may be wrong on this though. It’s not something I’ve ever done.

 

[dkontos]

Thanks but does this not adapt a non-p mount tone arm to a p mount cartridge not the other way around unless I misunderstand?

You are correct ! These adapters are for mounting a P-Mount cartridge to 1/2 inch turntable only.... If you can find one, a good solution is to find an Ortofon OMP cartridge, as you can mount the needles from the OM series ( OMP 5, 10,20, 40 )

 

[Al ears]

Audio Technica AT-PMA1 Universal P-mount to 1/2" Adapter 4961310141592 | eBay

Audio Technica AT-HS1 Headshell dimush29(271). All in One Music Systems. Stylus Cleaners. Portable Music Players. Adapter screw and nut included. Pro-Ject Turntable Spare Parts. Valve and Tube Essentials.

www.ebay.co.uk

this should do it.

good spot, never seen one of those. However I wouldn't want to hang a heavy cartridge off this four spindly connections.....
EDIT,
No, ignore me.
that's going the wrong way as I stated before
The OP would need a 1/2 inch to P-Mount

 

[dkontos]

good spot, never seen one of those. However I wouldn't want to hang a heavy cartridge off this four spindly connections.....

 

[Al ears]

View attachment 3274

that's the adapter I was talking about.... It is no good for you

 

[daytona600]

Grado Prestige only new range of P mount cartridges or new TT
Grado Labs - Black3 / Green3

 

[Al ears]

Blue and Red 2 versions available from an eBay seller, not cheap though....

 

[Dave B]

You are correct ! These adapters are for mounting a P-Mount cartridge to 1/2 inch turntable only.... If you can find one, a good solution is to find an Ortofon OMP cartridge, as you can mount the needles from the OM series ( OMP 5, 10,20, 40 )

Thanks, I will take a look for that

 

[manicm]

There is a benefit, but in all honesty, you'll see far more benefit in changing your cart first to a slightly higher-end model, you don't need to go mad though. That's if other carts fit that player which I'm sure they do.

On the other hand a good cartridge could be wasted on a mediocre phono stage.

I'd say finds permitting he should change both. Something reasonably priced like iFi or Rega.

 

[Al ears]

On the other hand a good cartridge could be wasted on a mediocre phono stage.

I'd say finds permitting he should change both. Something reasonably priced like iFi or Rega.

what gives you reason to believe the phono stage in the Yamaha is mediocre?
It will certainly be good enough for any p-mount he can find for that turntable, in my opinion.
however, truth be told, if it were me I would sell it and buy a standard turntable that will accept much more in the way of upgrading should vinyl be in his system to stay.