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mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html0 -
You have a Dustcover for that VPI? I need one for my HW-19. I think their official one is crazy over priced though.
Post edited by Tim Simmons on0 -
mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.htmlRemember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html
If you cannot find a a decent integrated amp/stereo receiver with a phono stage, I have your very TT, which I connected to a little Bellari phono tube preamp (also has a lovely dedicated headphone jack for tube sound straight into your earholes, which is nice) and then connected that to the aux. Huge improvement in sound over the TT's built-in. I've even connected it this way to my old Sansui receiver, which does have a phono stage.
Oh, and the cartridge that comes with that TT isn't too shabby. Give it some time to break in, and I think you'll find it enjoyable enough. I've swapped in my Grado and Stanton just to see how they would sound on that table, and while they certainly track a lot nicer, the difference in sound wasn't enough for me to consider swapping out the stock cartridge. And you can always upgrade later.
Post edited by dankind onI SAW PEARL JAM0 -
Thanks for the advice....truly appreciated.
Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html
Bowers and Wilkins, KEF, Dynaudio, Paradigm, Monitor. I am partial to soft dome tweeters, English sound, and I don't like horns (Klipsch). This is just a preference thing. I would not recommend Audioengine or Bose. I have always been interested in owning some Martin Logans, as they are ribbon speakers. Some people really dig those, but I think they are more inclined to jazz and orchestra.
Like I said earlier, depending on where in the room you sit, you have to first decide towers or bookshelves. One is not better than the other. Bookshelves placed properly and with a sub will sound every bit as good as a tower. It's all about distance. But if you do books, you need stands and I suggest a sub eventually. So towers may be less expensive. You don't have to buy the branded stands which are always outrageous. There are excellent stands on Amazon.
Feel free to float models or ask questions. I love nerding out on stereo equipment.0 -
dankind said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html
If you cannot find a a decent integrated amp/stereo receiver with a phono stage, I have your very TT, which I connected to a little Bellari phono tube preamp (also has a lovely dedicated headphone jack for tube sound straight into your earholes, which is nice) and then connected that to the aux. Huge improvement in sound over the TT's built-in. I've even connected it this way to my old Sansui receiver, which does have a phono stage.
Oh, and the cartridge that comes with that TT isn't too shabby. Give it some time to break in, and I think you'll find it enjoyable enough. I've swapped in my Grado and Stanton just to see how they would sound on that table, and while they certainly track a lot nicer, the difference in sound wasn't enough for me to consider swapping out the stock cartridge. And you can always upgrade later.0 -
mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html
Bowers and Wilkins, KEF, Dynaudio, Paradigm, Monitor. I am partial to soft dome tweeters, English sound, and I don't like horns (Klipsch). This is just a preference thing. I would not recommend Audioengine or Bose. I have always been interested in owning some Martin Logans, as they are ribbon speakers. Some people really dig those, but I think they are more inclined to jazz and orchestra.
Like I said earlier, depending on where in the room you sit, you have to first decide towers or bookshelves. One is not better than the other. Bookshelves placed properly and with a sub will sound every bit as good as a tower. It's all about distance. But if you do books, you need stands and I suggest a sub eventually. So towers may be less expensive. You don't have to buy the branded stands which are always outrageous. There are excellent stands on Amazon.
Feel free to float models or ask questions. I love nerding out on stereo equipment.
what would you pick off of crutchfield if it were you?Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
Tim Simmons said:You have a Dustcover for that VPI? I need one for my Prime Sig. I think their official one is crazy over priced though.
I have the AS200, looks like you would need the 300. I bet you love that signature. Gorgeous table.0 -
I thought my TT was kickass and your TT cover costs more than my whole unitRemember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
Also....powered speakers over passive? And wired over wireless I assume for vinyl?Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
mrussel1 said:Tim Simmons said:You have a Dustcover for that VPI? I need one for my Prime Sig. I think their official one is crazy over priced though.
I have the AS200, looks like you would need the 300. I bet you love that signature. Gorgeous table.
Thanks.
Yeah, I do. I'm still tweaking it, but man, is it a beast of a table. Stock arm (pre-3D printed), but Grado Sonato on it, running through my Sansui 9090. Its really come together. Very happy with it.
The dust is killing me though.
Post edited by Tim Simmons on0 -
Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:mrussel1 said:Gern Blansten said:Denon AVR-S540BT
Any opinion on that receiver? It looks like I could use the USB optical cable to connect the turntable to it
Edit - I just looked at your Denon unit. There's no phono stage. There are two sets of analog input. So you would set the switch to "line" on the TT and plug into one of those two sets.
Regarding the external, I think it depends. You have to have a strategy for your system. Audio components tend to be a journey that takes time as you upgrade. You have what you need to be up and running today, presuming you have speakers.
1. Speakers - most important, not even close. They are the make or break. You should be the most particular here. What do you have today?
2. Integrated amp/stereo - A good integrated amp will likely have a pretty decent built in phono (not having one doesn't make it bad). This will be better than what's in teh TT and keep you in a good place for a while. Phono pre amp should be later, probably even after a new TT. Here's an example of a solid, dedicated two channel. There are a lot of good options that will be a clear upgrade vs almost any AVR. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html
Bowers and Wilkins, KEF, Dynaudio, Paradigm, Monitor. I am partial to soft dome tweeters, English sound, and I don't like horns (Klipsch). This is just a preference thing. I would not recommend Audioengine or Bose. I have always been interested in owning some Martin Logans, as they are ribbon speakers. Some people really dig those, but I think they are more inclined to jazz and orchestra.
Like I said earlier, depending on where in the room you sit, you have to first decide towers or bookshelves. One is not better than the other. Bookshelves placed properly and with a sub will sound every bit as good as a tower. It's all about distance. But if you do books, you need stands and I suggest a sub eventually. So towers may be less expensive. You don't have to buy the branded stands which are always outrageous. There are excellent stands on Amazon.
Feel free to float models or ask questions. I love nerding out on stereo equipment.
what would you pick off of crutchfield if it were you?
You may/not want or need a sub. If I was in the market, I would test the SVS SB1000. It is a very musical sub for $499 that is exceptional. SB = sealed box, which is what you want for music (vs ported). Sealed will keep the bass tight. Ported is better for movies. I tested this for their 45 day trial and I loved it. I went with a PSB simply because I needed speaker (high level) outs. This is unusual. You just have to be sure your integrated amp you select either has B channel or a sub out line. The integrated I'm moving to doesn't, so I had to plan for that. https://www.svsound.com/collections/1000-series I would have kept the SVS otherwise.0 -
Tim Simmons said:mrussel1 said:Tim Simmons said:You have a Dustcover for that VPI? I need one for my Prime Sig. I think their official one is crazy over priced though.
I have the AS200, looks like you would need the 300. I bet you love that signature. Gorgeous table.
Thanks.
Yeah, I do. I'm still tweaking it, but man, is it a beast of a table. Stock arm (pre-3D printed), but Grado Sonato on it, running through my Sansui 9090. Its really come together. Very happy with it.
The dust is killing me though.
My arm is the JMW Memorial 10" which is an upgrade, but not to the level of the 3D. What's nice about these VPI's is that you can really customize them. I could theoretically get my Prime to the Signature if I wanted to do so. Doubt I will, but it's cool if you are a tinkerer.0 -
Thanks. Yeah, I don't have much time for tweaking it. When I went big with it, the plan was for this to be it and I would just customize as desired. To be honest I don't need to do much. The arm is great. I'm happy with the Grado. So we'll see. At this point Id rather just play some tunes rather than futz around with it.
Post edited by Tim Simmons on0 -
mrussel1 said:pjpjpaul said:mrussel1 said:I will be straight honest with you and tell you that when I used that TT with that cart, I could not hear a difference between lossless digital and vinyl. Now.. to be fair, I was also using a Pioneer Elite AVR which is not ideal for vinyl. I also used the phono built into the TT. I almost gave up on vinyl but ended up going to the Proj-ject Debut Carbon, upgrading teh platter and to an Ortofon Blue cart. Also using a dedicated 2 channel integrated made all the difference. So if you're using a dedicated 2 channel amp with a discrete phono, it will sound better than what I did. You have it, it's paid for, you might as well start with that and see how you like it. But it will probably be the weak point in your chain.
Today I'm using a VPI Scout Prime with a 2" platter and 10 inch tonearm. It's a fairly high end table. The cartridge is a Hana MC, and the phono is an Emotiva XPS-1. I like my phono because you can control the resistance, which is important for a MC (moving coil) cart.
Yes it is all solid state. The phono stage i use now is the internal one inside the AT-LP5 and i have it plugged into my oknyo receiver which is probably 4 years old or so.Virginia Beach 2000
DC 2003
DC 2004 (VFC)
DC 2006
Pittsburgh 2006
Bonnaroo 2008
Virginia Beach 2008
DC 2008
Philly (Spectrum) 10/31/2009
DC 2010 (Jiffy Lube Live)
PJ 20 night 1
PJ 20 night 2
Phoenix 2013
LA 1 2013
Memphis 2014
Jacksonville 2016
Greenville 2016
Hampton 2016
Columbia 2016
Fenway 1 2016
Fenway 2 2016
Wrigley 1 2018
Wrigley 2 2018
Fenway 1 2018
Fenway 2 2018
Sea Hear Now 2021
Nashville 2022
Louisville 2022
Ohana 2024 (Night 1)
Ohana 2024 (Night 2)0 -
I am going to spend some more time with it but I am not hearing much from my subwoofer. Any idea what might cause that? It is definitely on and it does buzz when I take out and replace the cable. It just doesn't seem like anything is getting picked up.
Is my receiver needing to be adjusted or something?Remember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20 -
Gern Blansten said:I am going to spend some more time with it but I am not hearing much from my subwoofer. Any idea what might cause that? It is definitely on and it does buzz when I take out and replace the cable. It just doesn't seem like anything is getting picked up.
Is my receiver needing to be adjusted or something?0 -
LFE...I'll check the 80khzRemember the Thomas Nine !! (10/02/2018)
The Golden Age is 2 months away. And guess what….. you’re gonna love it! (teskeinc 11.19.24)
1998: Noblesville; 2003: Noblesville; 2009: EV Nashville, Chicago, Chicago
2010: St Louis, Columbus, Noblesville; 2011: EV Chicago, East Troy, East Troy
2013: London ON, Wrigley; 2014: Cincy, St Louis, Moline (NO CODE)
2016: Lexington, Wrigley #1; 2018: Wrigley, Wrigley, Boston, Boston
2020: Oakland, Oakland: 2021: EV Ohana, Ohana, Ohana, Ohana
2022: Oakland, Oakland, Nashville, Louisville; 2023: Chicago, Chicago, Noblesville
2024: Noblesville, Wrigley, Wrigley, Ohana, Ohana; 2025: Pitt1, Pitt20
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