I just came across your video right now. Thank you for featuring the Black Cube SE. I will gladly discuss the improvements of the current versions over the vintage versions especially when people are looking for a bargain. Keep on with the good work and kind regards, Norbert Lehmann - Lehmannaudio
Bardzo chętnie posłuchamy, ja kupiłem Black Cube SE2 i sprzedawca nie jest w stanie mi wytłumaczyć do czego służą zworki dołączone w pudełku z BC SE 2.
For years I used the phono preamp built 8nto my Conrad Johnson PV10, it was tube based and used high end passive components in the RIAA section. I then tried the vinyl to analog converter that was being sold by audio alchemy. It was very quiet but in the end the magic of the Conrad Johnson just wasn't there. I then built the LaPacifica circuit using a kit of parts and PWB I bought online. I used better resistors than the kit came with and I designed my own power supply. I put all in an aluminum case and powered it with an external wall wart that was grossly over rated, the rectification and regulation was done inside the preamp chassis. The result is very quiet and I enjoy the sound this phono preamp affords me. All in the project cost me about $150 that includes all the parts including a pre-preamp (for the MC cartridge I was using) that added 10 db of gain to the LaPacifica circuit, the plain case and the outboard wallwart.
I'm on a fixed income, and don't have the highest quality setup (but at least I don't have a crosley)! Your information is very helpful into improving (as much I can), my meager setup!
Looks like it lacks a stereo/mono switch. This is my second view of this video. I came back due to your very thoughtful video on getting the right reproduction out of mono recordings on vinyl.
A phono preamp must do three things: first, it has to match the impedance of the cartridge with the input impedance of the preamp; second, it must implement correctly RIAA reproduction curve and third, it must bring the signal to a line level. All that while adding no coloration to the sound and no distortion, of any kind. This is the ideal and there is no real preamp that can do this perfectly, but there are some that came close. The idea is that, having a minimum of skill for building electronic devices, anyone can use a schematic (such is the one provided for free by Elliott Sound Products, for instance) and build an preamplifier as close to perfectly sounding as it can be, with a cost of only a few bucks. I think I spent about $50 on my preamplifier I have built, using off the shelf components (good quality ones but nothing overrated). And it sounds extraordinarily good, especially in comparison with the same recording on different format (CD, or compact cassette), as far as I can tell. Any added cost must be the good old branding hype and the snobbery of owning something worth hundreds or thousands of dollars and which really MUST sound better since the device costed so much, isn't it? There are differences between preamps but one included in the amplifier (or receiver) is not automatically bad; it can conform thoroughly to the standard and might be as good as any; I think, as most things in the thin air of highest audiophile strata, all is down to personal preference. And you can have much more impact on the quality of the sound you get from vinyl by varying things like the acoustic treatment of the room you are listening in, having a good set of speakers, a capable audio amplifier (I didn't said ”good” since an ideal amplifier should NOT color the sound in any way or shape) and finally a good turntable and cartridge. And I believe this is the descending order of importance for a good listening experience. Obviously, that's my opinion, I'm not saying that I possess the final truth. Just something to be commented upon, for sure. :)
Thanks for the comnent. I do not agree with the philisophy "the truth is that with 5$ you can di anything with the same results" but I do understand your point. Of course the basic circuit is simple and cheap but good quality components and engeneering does require resources. No, I do not like $$$$ gear with rediculus prices, even if I could spend it I would not. I do believe that a good quality, for example, phono pre-amp does need at least a few hundred dollars/euro. A lot of people forget the expenses and research spent in creating new quality products. It is not just a matter of chips and wire. Yes, if course the tt and the amp are more important but this is a video dedicated to whom already has that and now is willing to focus on the preamplification.
Bine ai spus Bogdane, si eu am construit cel de la Elliott si am ramas cu gura cascata, l am inlocuit pe cel cumparat cu o zi inainte de la ceva firma ..e fain Elliott si eu tot de la el construiesc module pentru intreaga linie, si bineinteles ca si finali, bipolari 2N3005 in alimentare clasica cu condensator pe iesire, canta si acum langa mine si parca nu e ceva altceva mai bun, e doar o parere de gust personala .Daca esti electronist, ai de unde alege o sumedenie de scheme superbe ...lasa pe altii sa dea bani, treaba lor, dar satisfactia aia, ca suna bine si e facut de mana ta ...stii tu ce spun, numai bine !
Your videos make me sad , I am one of those people with very good ears and certain vinyl records have amazing sounds that just can't be heard on any other format , but my budjet is very low , so I have to settle for whatever sound I can get , my turntable is an 80s linear techniques , so the cartridge and stylus are easy to match up , but are also inexpensive moving magnet , the preamp is built into the reciever which is an early 90s pioneer , but I also have another thing to consider , I use a CD recorder , and have transfered lots of records to that , and they all seem to work well together , I do wish I had more money to invest , I like your videos though , you have good info , and well presented , I have spent more money on one record than the cost of my whole setup ! Was that OK ? Thank you
I have just purchased a Musical fidelity phone amp that has had all the caps replaced with Nichicon caps and I'm pleased with the sound but I wanted a better PSU, because of the price of linear PSUs of quality being so high I have purchased a kit model that has been assembled at a very good price, I need to make a case to house it in now, I do love a project.
Hi Ana[dia]log. Thank you for your very isightful recommendations on phono preamplification. After I carefully watched your video and looked at your recommendations for phono preamps below the video, I'm seriously thinking of bying the Tisbury Audio Domino. Can you recommend a good amplifier to go with it?
The Black Cube was my second external pre-amp and it just made so much difference to vinyl replay. The difference between Black Cube and the SEII is not subtle and I was happy with the BC.
I am focusing on the preamp now. I have a pioneer plx-500 that has an internal preamp. So in order to connect an external preamp, i have to switch to the line mode (not sur if i understood the tip). Great video! Respectfully
I respect your knowledge and love your videos. With hundreds of phono stages on the market, I feel the Lehmann is too expensive for what it is. I’ve been looking at the Parks Audio line, especially his new puffin dsp phono stage.
Congratulations on your 200th broadcast. I always enjoy watching you. I have a question. Yesterday I was watching your topic about phono preamplifiers and you talked about the Black Cube. I saw that you are very enthusiastic about it. My question is: do you happen to know the Pro-ject Tube Box S2? And if you compare it with the Black Cube: which comes out best? I would love to hear your answer. Greetings from the Netherlands and a happy holiday season.
Thanks Govinda! Unfortunately I haven't and they should both be great. I can only say that the black cube, for its cost, it competes with preamp 5 or 6 times it's cost it is so good!
@@anadialog Hi A.D. I bought the black cube more than a week ago and I must admit: it's great. The sound is spot on and I wonder how this amp is taking away the scratches and the cracks. Very happy with it. I not gonna try the Pro-ject anymore. I'm so satisfied. Thanx for the tip and I wish you and everyone watching you a good year.
100-200 pounds? I just looked up your Black Cube. It’s selling for $629.00 in the States. Many people here are purchasing the Schiit Mani for $129.00 with great analog results. Cheers
At that price it has to be the new SE II version. The old version (mine) is cheaper, plus there are dozens USED at that price...go for them. Yes, Schiit is a very good company and I do recommend there products. Anyway I did sei te a few other suggestions in the video desrtiption.
Agreed, I started with the DJArt and the went to the Schitt-Mani and it pairs just fine to my Rega P3. Vinyl is more of fun side thing as I have gravitated to Hi-Rez 2ch and surround mixes, and pretty much only buy the super deluxe box sets that come out a few times a year. I did just get the 50th anniversary 4LP copy of The Beatles-The White album and It does sound fantastic. It amazes me that the sound a rock literally dragging over plastic can sound so good. It sounds so good I'd almost think I'm listening to a CD. :P
Might seem like an obvious question, but I just want to be sure. If I get a preamp, I should not connect it to the phone input on my receiver, because that would be preamping it twice?
I am not a Vinyl Guy, I am a FLAC lover. But there is one thing I completelly dont understand about turntables. All cartridges are by design balanced, then why even audiophile turntables and phono preamps are single ended on output?. The signal is quite low so the balanced version would much more immune for distortion and give much better SNR. I dont get it. The first thing I would do if I buy turntable, I would modify it to have TRS or XLR balaned output. Just directly from the cartridge. Oh, but there are no balanced preamps. I whink I wouldnt even use a dedicated preamp. I would use microphone preamp in the audio interface (they are by design balanced and ~130dB SNR) and implement RIAA in digital domain. I know running ADC and DAC looks wired. But I would do it anyway because of room correction. The second approach would be to use two phonopreamps in balanced mode. iwonder if anyone used thsi approach. The most important benefit from this approach is that I listen to the vinyl only once,if I rip it to a FLAC, then the next time I can use the FLAC instead of the original Vinyl. So it will last longer in perfect condition.
I have been out of using a turntable for many years now, I was going to buy a Audio technica lp -120 But after listening to you Im not so sure now I want a decent sounding turntable So let me see If I got this right 1) I should buy preferably a moving magnet cartridge turntable and then 2) pre Amp 3) To a Amplifier/ receiver 4) to my speakers is that correct or am I missing something, I dont have too much money to spend ,..Can you recommend A good turn table vintage or other that will sound good without breaking me I have about $350 For just the turntable with the set up your Describing and I will buy the rest to complete it, I would rather buy good components piece by piece and build a nice system that later I can upgrade then have something that I will not be Satisfied with.
I have a critique for ya. Please don't have the intro music so much louder than the rest of the video, especially when your mic level is as low as it is before the intro. The intro music suddenly blasting after I turned up the volume to hear you is not good. Normalize the levels across the entire video. There are many video podcasters on UA-cam who fail to do this.
My Optonica SM 4646 intergrated amp has 2 phono pre stages....one has a variable out put...the other has 22 47 & 100 ohm settings I use a Technics SL 1200 MK 5. The synergy of them is mind blowing playing vinyl. I also use Cerwin Vega SE 300 speakers......Rated at 255 rms 6 ohm....And 98db sensitivity
Hello! I want to upgrade my Schiit phono preamp for my Hana SL moving coil and I am considering Moon 110 Lp or Lehmann Black Cube.May I have your opinion,please_Thank you.
Technically you are discussing phono preamps which are there to impedance-match the cartridge to the system and, to equalise the signal from how it is stored on the record ( high frequencies are stored at an enhanced level and, bass frequencies are stored at a reduced level compared with the master tape). The equalisation, normally the so-called RIAA curve allows the signal to be more compact and give long playing times per side. It also reduces high frequency mechanical noise because the conversion to a flat frequency response lowers the treble gain. The phono preamp restores the flat frequency response by applying inverse equalisation. Cartridge signal levels are in the millivolt range so, signal gain is added by amplifying the signal to line level. The best systems allow accurate adjustment and matching of impedance, capacitance and gain whilst not introducing noise or, distortion. Some high-end turntables have their own built in phono preamplifiers that are incredibly good. Some preamplifiers have their own built in phono equalisers that are incredibly good. The best phono preamplifiers will have excellent dynamics, microdynamics, resolution and will be utterly compelling when presented with good signals from good turntables. The Lehmann black Cube is a compelling and charismatic performer especially with its upgraded power supply. Phono preamps therefore, are technically equalising interfaces or pre, preamplifiers since you use them to correctly connect a turntable to a preamplifier.
Hello, i really like your videos,so i become a your fan.I would like to buy MM/MC pre amp ,but i have budget around 300-400$ i think about Cambridge audio Alva Duo.What can you say about this?Thank you in advance and keep going man.
Thanks! I am not familiar with that model but I do know Cambridge and they are very good. I am not crazy about having a headphone amp inside, brings more noise to a very sensitive circuit.
@@anadialog i really appreciate your opinion, i also think that this with the Bluetooth module and headphone amplifier is not nice, but they did it like that.The price is very good actually around 160$ in Bulgaria...so maybe i will try and i will share later my opinion to the audience.Thank you again and have a great day.
hello, I have an old preamplifier, the rts systems 405, tell me with the new technologies that you recommend will be better the quality of the latter against the rts or would it be the same ?? Any opinion about the quality of art phono plus ??
The question is if the turntable has a phono preamp or not...if not, then you most likely need one. A mixer might have one but it should have indicated phono and possibly a ground connection next to it.
Weak is the wrong term as what comes out of tbe cartridge first must eqed with riaa eq than Amplified. I feel phono stage is a better term because we have phono stage than preamp & volume to the power amp to speakers. Just my 2 cents Thanks for the video's
I know this is an older video but I prefer the term phono stage, less confusing. Otherwise if I have to describe my current system I would say I have an MC cartridge running into a preamp running into another preamp running into a power amp. Very confusing!
i have a decent Yamaha amp from the 90s? with a built in phono input and my Mk2 12010 sounds pretty good. would adding a dedicated pre-amp be a smart upgrade or do you think i should look at other things like a better cartridge? (i'm using an AT95e)
Pretty ticked off that the $320 Cambridge Audio Alva Duo preamp I got emits a hum. For the price I didn't think this would happen. Too bad bc it has a headphone jack. I'm going to have to go exchange it and get a separate headphone amp
Nice video, thanks for explaining things. But I can't bring my self to spend 1000$ on that, so I'm going to try the behringer ufo 202 to see if I can use my 200s Yamaha amp that doesn't have a phono. My Technics amp just won't play surround properly.
Lehmannaudio Black Cube use OPA2227 on first stage and second stage are OPA2134 Op-Amps. Lehmannaudio Black Cube cost £635 with PWX power supply. This preamp is not bad but this preamp is too expensive for normal user. Also, optimise Hi-Fi system are not to buy better preamplifier (on paper), it is to adapt preamplifer input with phono cartridge what you use. This is only possible with correct imput loading (RC filter) and measurements. Sound on ears may be good but this not mean that this sound is correct. Try to change this OPA2227 with OPA1642 and see what happen. Black Box use OPA2227 only because that this Op-Amp have low noise and good sound precision and this is what is need in preamp first stage but how many OPA2134 have louder noise than OP2227? Only 3dB and this noise floor is under -130dB.
I agree, this was just a simple video to direct people towards a standaline phono pre-amp. Black cube is obtainable at a very good price in the used marked, that is also why I suggested it, but you are right, it is a little too expensive for a newby. For matching I did this other vid. Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/T428mIuw9IQ/v-deo.html
Thank you. This can sure be a confusing topic. Please help me to understand. Is the "Black Cube" a standalone preamp? In other words, can I go from this Black Cube phono preamp directly into a power amp or do I still need to go from the Black Cube into another standard line-level preamp and then into a poweramp? I'm referring to separate components here. Thank you.
...but youhave no volume or tone controls without a preamplifier. I would not connect a non adjustable line signaldirectly to a power amp, if this has no volume control.
It was a night and day difference going from the pre-amp build into my Yamaha receiver to a Phono Box S. I was skeptical, but now I tell everyone they need a separate preamp. There are some vintage receivers or amps with good built in phono preamps but they are few and far between, and are usually models that hold their value.
Bad phono amps in integrated amplifiers/receivers ? How can that be when NJM2043 (obsolete), NJM2068, NJM4558, µPC4570, NJM4580, AN6558 Op Amp ICs and 3300µF electrolytic capcitors (NO low ESR, in negative feedback) are installed ?🤣
Hello My questions is , I have a Project Phono Tube Box DS preamp . My speakers are Klipsch RF7 . I don't believe I get rumble but have read using the subsonic filter helps tighten the bass. Should I use it or not ? The rest of my system is technics sl1200g and yamaha as 1200. Thank you for your time . I will be installing a denon dl103r this weekend currently using denon dl110.
Hi there, well, obviously apart from recommendations, you should just test with your ears if it is better or not. Personally, I prefer not to use it. It's always a filter and it may cut out some good frequencies.
Hi! I'm using a an AT-LP120X together with a Nikko TRM-750 amplifier which has two Phono inputs and I think I'm getting a great sound out, do you think I still need a preamp? And if I do, will I have to use the phono inputs on my Nikko or do I use Aux/Tuner? Thanks so much!
Hi Pietro, a standalone phono preamp is always a good idea, obviously a quality one. If you get one, no, you must connect it to a normal line input, aux, tuner or anything else is good, not the phono input.
Would be great if you could explain the differences between gain and impedance, some preamps have these options... explain it to me as if I am 10 years old. My understanding so far about impedance is some MC cartridges have a Low impedance so the impedance on the preamp is usually set to 100 ohms. Increasing the impedance on the preamp to lets say 500 ohms would give a higher pass through of the signal resulting in more highs?
A preamp with these settings is actually preferable to those with none in order to achieve a better match with your cartridge. In any case, usualky, these settings are present when MC cartrdiges get into the picture. Gain and impedence are stricly connected. You are going to need a specific gain (signal amplitude) according to the impedence of your cartridge. In other words we usually say set the correct load on the phono preamp in order to match the cartridge impedence. MM are usually produced with a standard 47k ohms resistance so that is why in many cases fedicated MM preamps do not have gain and impedence settings.
I have a denon avr-2500h that has a dedicated phono input with a ground, do i still need to get a external pre amp, to me my technics sl-q30 sounds really good hooked up this way.
Hi there, in my opinion if you get a high quality dedicated phono preamp, you will truly unlock the potential of vinyl along with a similar cartridge. Those integrated in receivers and amp are of low quality compared to a dedicated piece of gear.
I would like to upgrade to a pre-amp. My question is what function do I need to use for the pre-amp? I'm using a late 90s Pioneer receiver. Since I can't use phono, I have VCR/Tape1...Monitor Tape2...DVD TV... LD/ Sat... CD. Suggestions?
@@anadialog Hello. I plan on upgrading to a Fluance RT 85 it comes with a 2m Blue Ortofon. I also plan on a Shiit Mani pre amp. At the present I'm using the dedicated phono function to power a Numark table. Thanks for your reply.
Ok, so if I understood correctly you question, you just need to hook up tye Fluance to the manii and that to your amp/receiver normal input and your set...does this answer your question?
I have an audio technica at lp120, my question is, is it worth adding (129 dollars) Pro-Ject Audio Phono Box DC? or there will not be much difference with the internal preamp of my turntable, thanks
Hello i have a lehman audio préampli but i have a little buzz in the background and when il m touching the arm sometimes it makes noise crack...And where do you put the earth of the turntable and the earth of the préamplificateur?
You must connect the earth of the TT to the screw of the phono preamp, if this was the question. For the humm (buzz) it is most probably a bad power cable of your gear, it could be any component that is polluting the power of your gear. Try detaching one power cable at the time and see if there are changes.
Hello thanks. And the earth of the preamp to my main amp? I will try with what you say with the power câblés( i have a VPI traveller’s with a mc dynavector Dv 20x2L and a black cube SE2 ) do you think the power câble of the lehman must be changed as lehman it s serious material ? And if so what kind of cable must I buy? Many thanks for your very interesting videos.
And must I connect the earth of the preamp to my amp as it s meaning the earth of the TT and the preamp will be together in the preamp earth connector?
@@michelraffin7006 no, the pre-amp with the amp, no! No, not the cable of the Lehmann. You must check ALL the power cables of your system, that are connected to the near wall sockets.
Hello again so I tried to,put thTT earth to my,preamp and the buzz is worse. And When I disconnect my TT of the preamp (this one still connect to my main amp) there is no,more buzz
You can use any pre-amp. The output signal is at that point a normal line signal, like a CD player. Just make sure to connect it to a normal input NOT a phono stage input.
Thanks ! What do you think of this product I am about to buy for my Clearaudio concept turntable ? : Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono And when I will have the money I will buy this : Aurorasound Vida Prima...
MoFi pre sounds good on the paper, I did not have the opportunity to listen to it. Tim de Paravici worked on it and that already a guarantee. I don't like muche the higher frequency estension (20khz) but it is more than sufficient, the lower freq. are amazing! (5hz). I am not sure if this has a separate power supply... the Aurorasound does not, I think that is fundamental for high quality reproduction...nevertheless , these are excellent products!
Hello, i finaly got my fist ext pre amp from cambridge audio. I am curently testing it. I am wondering about the low frequencies. Is it normal that they feel less present than with my internal preamp? Do i have to keep it working so the bass will emerge?
Things will certainly get better but even if still green you should have had a wow effect immediately! Are you sure you've loaded it correctly according to your cartridge? Is the gain set correctly?
@@anadialog yeah i don't have the wow effect for now and so is for my dad that listen with me. I may have not set the gain properly (i am a beginer). I have the cambridge solo. Maybe the preamp in my hk 503 is not that bad. In any case i don't now how to fit the gain properly. Thank you for always taking the time to answer. I really appreciate it 🙏
Oh ok, it's all fixed. I saw the specs. The only thing to pay attention is to use a MM cart, then you're good. Hope it gets better! Otherwise, if possible, return it and get a different one. I am sorry this isn't working as expected!
@@anadialog yes i am.using a MM cart. Its really good on the treble but i feel like it's not warm enough on the bass for jazz listening (tone poet series and music matters masterings). So i am wondering if the bass will open up or not. I'll tell you if you'd like so.
Can anyone recommend a good preamp with USB out? Or if the ART USB Phono Plus Turntable Preamp is any good? I have an AT-LP120 turntable which I plan on removing the internal preamp on it and replacing the cartridge with the At440mlb. I only want to be able to rip my vinyl collection in lossless (flac) audio files in the best quality possible, any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Should I use the preamp that's built into my lp120 and use just a aux in my receiver or bypass and use the phono? I do want to eventually take out the preamp, I was going to do that and use the phono on my receiver. Until I saw this video lol
Hi Baerchenization! Well the Black Cube is just an (optimal) example. Here are other three excellent examples around 50/150$-€: www.rolls.com/product.php?pid=VP29 (50$) www.talkelectronics.com/edwards-audio-apprentice-mm-phono-stage/ (100$) www.tisburyaudio.co.uk/domino-phono-preamplifier (150$) If you have a built-in preamp inside your turntable you MUST have a phono out (if you have ONLY a line out you cannot add an external pre-amp). This is because you use a pre-amp ONLY with the signal is coming directly from your cartridge (i.e. with no pre-amp on board). From the phono out jacks you connect the right and left channel of the turntable to those of the preamp (and then from the pre-amp to the receiver or amplifier). Here is a pic: www.phonopreamps.com/images/phonopreamphookup.jpg If you do NOT have an on-board pre-amp, then you will need an external preamp which is connected in the same way as in the pic above. Clear?
I forgot to mention...in order to properly match a pre-amp with your cartridge (or viceversa), check this video: ua-cam.com/video/T428mIuw9IQ/v-deo.html
I have a Linn Basik from early 90s, which is in the attic for about a decade now. But lately I am shopping around on Ebay to get everything going again. I will keep the old speakers and the Linn, because vinyl had always been more auxiliary for me and the focus on the CD collection. So I don't mind adding a pre amp, but one that is reasonable for what I have... I found myself an Audiolab 8200Q preamp, but it seems it has not been designed with vinyl in mind. Anybody remember the old Basik? At least mine came with some really shitty/wobbly triple rubber feet setup - is it possible to convert that to something more "normal"? Wtf were they thinking at Linn?!
Hey! A Linn is always a Linn. Yes, you should stick with it. You can always upgrade after. Which tonearm do you have? Cartridge? The Audio lab is NOT a Phone pre-amp but the receiver preamplifier. Most high quality set-ups do not have a classic stand alone receiver/amplifier (AKA integrated amplifier). They are always compose of a pre-amp and a power amp. A phono pre-amp is just for your turntable. In a lot of cases the pre-amp could have had on board a also a phono pre-amp but not on your Audiolab (in fact it has 2 dedicated outputs)
To be honest, I never knew... all I know is that the "table" cost 300 Marks back then, which was surprisingly cheap in my mind - until I learned that that is to be taken literally, and so the entire usable turntable cost 1000 Marks :D The dealer had put it together, I got no idea. Yes I understand the phono pre amp is only for the turntable, so I would feed that in to the Audiolab phono-in? Last time I had seem my poor Linn I noticed that the tension of the lid hinges cracked the acrylic cover; searching on the internet, some Linn parts dealer wants ca 150 Pounds for a new lid - or I could have an entire pre-owned Basik system on Ebay for the same money, giving me a few spare parts extra free :P
I don't think pre amps are good at the purchase level being recommended. My perspective in building a hifi system spend most of your budget on the speakers, the the next largest proportion on the amp then the turntable. At moderate( €600 to €25000) costs an integrated amp is going to give you more bang for your buck. The reason I say that is a well designed integrated amp is going to have a shorter signal path with less interference than a cheap amp combined with a cheap Pre-amp. It will produce a better sound than a budget amp with a budget pre-amp. ( The pre-amps recommended in this video are budget). You only start to see massive change in sound performance with high end pre-amps and amps. So you understand comment in context I am running a modified/ upgraded Thorens TD160 into a Magnat RV3 integrated( and hybrid) amp. In the price range I was working in a separate amp and pre-amp would not out perform the RV3, Add a €1000.00 budget on top of that and then you start to hear a significant difference that would recommend for a separate pre-amp and amp. Basically what I think is best, at the budget prices being recommended, I would suggest stick with an integrated amp and put the $100-$200 into a better cartridge, or a slightly more expensive integrated amp.
I absolutely disagree. The Lehmann Black Cube SE is not a budget phono pre-amp nor a high-end model but the sonic jump from a standard integrated phono stage is truly phenomenal. I am talking day and night difference. I purchased other phono pre-amps that cost me 4 times more but the quality went up just a little bit. Other fundamental aspect is the separation of the power transformer that does not take place in an integrated amp. True high fidelity at the correct price.
@@anadialog Come on you didn't even check on the amp I mentioned. I really Doubt the Lehmann black would beat the Tube preamp stage in the Magnat RV3. Which despite your assertion has separate shields for the transformer and the power caps! Other makes also go to the effort of shielding the transformer and power caps. Preamps come into their own only when you get into the €2000 plus range. My comment was particularly targeted AT THE $100 -$200 preamps you recommend.
Go to triode dick and build youre own pre phono amp!!! all tube its a phonodude and there is a us discription. the best thing happend to my system. also build the kt88 bill with high qaulity parts! supurb for analog die hards!!!
hey! no!!! haha! there is an english version try triode dick.com And al the producs are for self build by the great dutch tube designer triode dick all real high end stuff. for the complete phonodude go to audio creative . nl and select webshop. the webshop is mostly english or ask them. they are really nice peoply and the will reply in english. (way better than mine english!) those guys are mostley in the search for an honest product cheap as posible but high end without the snakeoyl. Do youreself a favor and check them the phonodude also comes as a kit. i build mine and it is a true wonder! i also made a Bill its a k88 al tube amp with big transformers beats every amp. also theck the groovemaster tonearm! good luck! thanks for al the tips! KEEP GOING!
Great review, buddy! Couple mV signal definitely needs dedicated pre-amp-eq, which would have significantly add to cost of all-in-one turntable. Another point is a separate case and even power supply, to minimize interference with weak signal from mm/mc head. I’m about to buy such device, and now inclined to Schiit Mani, basically due to affordable cost (129$) and very positive reviews. Ian from His famous HiVinyls channel rated as a top phono preamp, even better than Black Cube SEII (1100$). If you are interested in making your own comparison of your Black Cube against Schiit Mani,it would be cool to watch. Especially, if you sample sound via mic and compare both signals at least visually, to see which one is more detailed and wider in dynamic range. This link to Ian’s review: ua-cam.com/video/TaARB28ZHkw/v-deo.html
I have a turntable Technica LP 120 with pré AMP and a Yamaha Receiver. Would you recommend to install between the turntable and Receiver a external Pre- Amplifier?
Hi Anderson, if it has a PHONO OUT (selector or output), and I di think it does, the answer is: YES! Ansolutely! If you get a good quality phono preamp you will imnediately have a much better sound.
I just came across your video right now. Thank you for featuring the Black Cube SE. I will gladly discuss the improvements of the current versions over the vintage versions especially when people are looking for a bargain. Keep on with the good work and kind regards, Norbert Lehmann - Lehmannaudio
Thanks Norbert!
Bardzo chętnie posłuchamy, ja kupiłem Black Cube SE2 i sprzedawca nie jest w stanie mi wytłumaczyć do czego służą zworki dołączone w pudełku z BC SE 2.
@@Renia239 did you buy the unit preowned or new from a dealer?
@@Lehmannaudioamplifiers Nowe od dystrybutora w Polsce TOP Hi FI.
For years I used the phono preamp built 8nto my Conrad Johnson PV10, it was tube based and used high end passive components in the RIAA section. I then tried the vinyl to analog converter that was being sold by audio alchemy. It was very quiet but in the end the magic of the Conrad Johnson just wasn't there.
I then built the LaPacifica circuit using a kit of parts and PWB I bought online. I used better resistors than the kit came with and I designed my own power supply. I put all in an aluminum case and powered it with an external wall wart that was grossly over rated, the rectification and regulation was done inside the preamp chassis. The result is very quiet and I enjoy the sound this phono preamp affords me. All in the project cost me about $150 that includes all the parts including a pre-preamp (for the MC cartridge I was using) that added 10 db of gain to the LaPacifica circuit, the plain case and the outboard wallwart.
I'm on a fixed income, and don't have the highest quality setup (but at least I don't have a crosley)! Your information is very helpful into improving (as much I can), my meager setup!
Picked up a battery operated pre amp form Space-Tech. Outstanding handmade by a genius in Vancouver. Been using MC cartridges since 1981
Glad u spent time explaining value of a used Lehmann Black Box, beter external PSU, and power cord.
No way! You have exactly the same preamp as I do with the same power supply! Yeah, the Lehmann Audio preamp is a great piece of gear. Very underrated.
Lehmannaudio is also what I got. After buying my Clearaudio Concept MC I ended up with Lehmannaudio Decade.
Looks like it lacks a stereo/mono switch.
This is my second view of this video. I came back due to your very thoughtful video on getting the right reproduction out of mono recordings on vinyl.
I use a Cambridge 651p pre amp. Awesomeness.
Thank you I AM DOING THE 3-Pre-Amp
A phono preamp must do three things: first, it has to match the impedance of the cartridge with the input impedance of the preamp; second, it must implement correctly RIAA reproduction curve and third, it must bring the signal to a line level. All that while adding no coloration to the sound and no distortion, of any kind. This is the ideal and there is no real preamp that can do this perfectly, but there are some that came close. The idea is that, having a minimum of skill for building electronic devices, anyone can use a schematic (such is the one provided for free by Elliott Sound Products, for instance) and build an preamplifier as close to perfectly sounding as it can be, with a cost of only a few bucks. I think I spent about $50 on my preamplifier I have built, using off the shelf components (good quality ones but nothing overrated). And it sounds extraordinarily good, especially in comparison with the same recording on different format (CD, or compact cassette), as far as I can tell. Any added cost must be the good old branding hype and the snobbery of owning something worth hundreds or thousands of dollars and which really MUST sound better since the device costed so much, isn't it?
There are differences between preamps but one included in the amplifier (or receiver) is not automatically bad; it can conform thoroughly to the standard and might be as good as any; I think, as most things in the thin air of highest audiophile strata, all is down to personal preference. And you can have much more impact on the quality of the sound you get from vinyl by varying things like the acoustic treatment of the room you are listening in, having a good set of speakers, a capable audio amplifier (I didn't said ”good” since an ideal amplifier should NOT color the sound in any way or shape) and finally a good turntable and cartridge. And I believe this is the descending order of importance for a good listening experience.
Obviously, that's my opinion, I'm not saying that I possess the final truth. Just something to be commented upon, for sure. :)
Thanks for the comnent. I do not agree with the philisophy "the truth is that with 5$ you can di anything with the same results" but I do understand your point. Of course the basic circuit is simple and cheap but good quality components and engeneering does require resources. No, I do not like $$$$ gear with rediculus prices, even if I could spend it I would not. I do believe that a good quality, for example, phono pre-amp does need at least a few hundred dollars/euro. A lot of people forget the expenses and research spent in creating new quality products. It is not just a matter of chips and wire. Yes, if course the tt and the amp are more important but this is a video dedicated to whom already has that and now is willing to focus on the preamplification.
Bine ai spus Bogdane, si eu am construit cel de la Elliott si am ramas cu gura cascata, l am inlocuit pe cel cumparat cu o zi inainte de la ceva firma ..e fain Elliott si eu tot de la el construiesc module pentru intreaga linie, si bineinteles ca si finali, bipolari 2N3005 in alimentare clasica cu condensator pe iesire, canta si acum langa mine si parca nu e ceva altceva mai bun, e doar o parere de gust personala .Daca esti electronist, ai de unde alege o sumedenie de scheme superbe ...lasa pe altii sa dea bani, treaba lor, dar satisfactia aia, ca suna bine si e facut de mana ta ...stii tu ce spun, numai bine !
DON'T CHEAP OUT ON THE PHONO STAGE!! The differences are HUGE!!!
Power cords make a difference? Please do a blind test video to show us, that'd be a great help to the community.
Good advice , totally agree !
thank you for having your knowledge
Your videos make me sad , I am one of those people with very good ears and certain vinyl records have amazing sounds that just can't be heard on any other format , but my budjet is very low , so I have to settle for whatever sound I can get , my turntable is an 80s linear techniques , so the cartridge and stylus are easy to match up , but are also inexpensive moving magnet , the preamp is built into the reciever which is an early 90s pioneer , but I also have another thing to consider , I use a CD recorder , and have transfered lots of records to that , and they all seem to work well together , I do wish I had more money to invest , I like your videos though , you have good info , and well presented , I have spent more money on one record than the cost of my whole setup ! Was that OK ? Thank you
Guido, finally ditched the phono in for my rt85 and bought preamp, i cant explain how it sounds better but it just does
Cool! Good job!
I have just purchased a Musical fidelity phone amp that has had all the caps replaced with Nichicon caps and I'm pleased with the sound but I wanted a better PSU, because of the price of linear PSUs of quality being so high I have purchased a kit model that has been assembled at a very good price, I need to make a case to house it in now, I do love a project.
Hi Ana[dia]log. Thank you for your very isightful recommendations on phono preamplification. After I carefully watched your video and looked at your recommendations for phono preamps below the video, I'm seriously thinking of bying the Tisbury Audio Domino. Can you recommend a good amplifier to go with it?
The Black Cube was my second external pre-amp and it just made so much difference to vinyl replay. The difference between Black Cube and the SEII is not subtle and I was happy with the BC.
Hi Gavin, so you recommend to upgrade?
I am focusing on the preamp now. I have a pioneer plx-500 that has an internal preamp. So in order to connect an external preamp, i have to switch to the line mode (not sur if i understood the tip). Great video!
Respectfully
Line level is for an amp, phono is for the external preamp. Select phono if you are using an external phono preamp.
@@anadialog thank you 🙏
The Schiit Mani works with any cartridge !!
I respect your knowledge and love your videos. With hundreds of phono stages on the market, I feel the Lehmann is too expensive for what it is. I’ve been looking at the Parks Audio line, especially his new puffin dsp phono stage.
Congratulations on your 200th broadcast. I always enjoy watching you.
I have a question. Yesterday I was watching your topic about phono preamplifiers and you talked about the Black Cube. I saw that you are very enthusiastic about it. My question is: do you happen to know the Pro-ject Tube Box S2? And if you compare it with the Black Cube: which comes out best? I would love to hear your answer. Greetings from the Netherlands and a happy holiday season.
Thanks Govinda! Unfortunately I haven't and they should both be great. I can only say that the black cube, for its cost, it competes with preamp 5 or 6 times it's cost it is so good!
@@anadialog Hi A.D.
I bought the black cube more than a week ago and I must admit: it's great. The sound is spot on and I wonder how this amp is taking away the scratches and the cracks. Very happy with it. I not gonna try the Pro-ject anymore. I'm so satisfied.
Thanx for the tip and I wish you and everyone watching you a good year.
Great!! Thanks for the feedback!
100-200 pounds? I just looked up your Black Cube. It’s selling for $629.00 in the States. Many people here are purchasing the Schiit Mani for $129.00 with great analog results.
Cheers
At that price it has to be the new SE II version. The old version (mine) is cheaper, plus there are dozens USED at that price...go for them. Yes, Schiit is a very good company and I do recommend there products. Anyway I did sei te a few other suggestions in the video desrtiption.
Agreed, I started with the DJArt and the went to the Schitt-Mani and it pairs just fine to my Rega P3. Vinyl is more of fun side thing as I have gravitated to Hi-Rez 2ch and surround mixes, and pretty much only buy the super deluxe box sets that come out a few times a year. I did just get the 50th anniversary 4LP copy of The Beatles-The White album and It does sound fantastic. It amazes me that the sound a rock literally dragging over plastic can sound so good. It sounds so good I'd almost think I'm listening to a CD. :P
Great info, when you gonna give us a music room tour, I'd love to see your setup?
OG Wavy, thanks for your comment. Yes, that is surely an upcoming video!
Beautifully illustrated !! How to connect a condenser microphone to the Black Box & Pre-Amp.
Did you try schiit preamplifier. Those are regarded very highly here in the US
No, but I havo other gear from then and its great!
Might seem like an obvious question, but I just want to be sure. If I get a preamp, I should not connect it to the phone input on my receiver, because that would be preamping it twice?
That is a good question. Yes, exactly! Use the external preamp OR the integrated one, never both.
@@anadialog Thanks. Just wanted to make sure.
I am not a Vinyl Guy, I am a FLAC lover. But there is one thing I completelly dont understand about turntables. All cartridges are by design balanced, then why even audiophile turntables and phono preamps are single ended on output?. The signal is quite low so the balanced version would much more immune for distortion and give much better SNR. I dont get it. The first thing I would do if I buy turntable, I would modify it to have TRS or XLR balaned output. Just directly from the cartridge. Oh, but there are no balanced preamps. I whink I wouldnt even use a dedicated preamp. I would use microphone preamp in the audio interface (they are by design balanced and ~130dB SNR) and implement RIAA in digital domain. I know running ADC and DAC looks wired. But I would do it anyway because of room correction. The second approach would be to use two phonopreamps in balanced mode. iwonder if anyone used thsi approach. The most important benefit from this approach is that I listen to the vinyl only once,if I rip it to a FLAC, then the next time I can use the FLAC instead of the original Vinyl. So it will last longer in perfect condition.
Interesting perspective! There are a few balanced phono stages and turntables but I agree, it's rare and it would make a lot of sense to do so...
I have been out of using a turntable for many years now, I was going to buy a Audio technica lp -120 But after listening to you Im not so sure now I want a decent sounding turntable So let me see If I got this right 1) I should buy preferably a moving magnet cartridge turntable and then 2) pre Amp 3) To a Amplifier/ receiver 4) to my speakers is that correct or am I missing something, I dont have too much money to spend ,..Can you recommend A good turn table vintage or other that will sound good without breaking me I have about $350 For just the turntable with the set up your Describing and I will buy the rest to complete it, I would rather buy good components piece by piece and build a nice system that later I can upgrade then have something that I will not be Satisfied with.
I have an NAD 3130, best phono stage preamp ever
I love the old NADs...but isn't that an integrated amp? You mean the phono stage on board I bet....
ana[dia]log yeah, onboard
Good to know!
I have a critique for ya. Please don't have the intro music so much louder than the rest of the video, especially when your mic level is as low as it is before the intro. The intro music suddenly blasting after I turned up the volume to hear you is not good. Normalize the levels across the entire video. There are many video podcasters on UA-cam who fail to do this.
You're right.I like it a little more loud but sometimes the contrast is too elevated...sorry about that!
Thanks, informative video. What’s your thoughts on the Lindemann Limetree phono?
Great channel, and an interesting accent! Are you Portuguese? 🙂
Italian! Thanks!
My Optonica SM 4646 intergrated amp has 2 phono pre stages....one has a variable out put...the other has 22 47 & 100 ohm settings I use a Technics SL 1200 MK 5. The synergy of them is mind blowing playing vinyl. I also use Cerwin Vega SE 300 speakers......Rated at 255 rms 6 ohm....And 98db sensitivity
Cool!
I'm planning on buying a Technics SL 1200G turntable and a SU-G700 amplifier. Do I need a pre-amplifier for that? Thanks for your advice.
Nope, if you want you can connect the output of the turntable to the ground and phono input of the amp.
Hello!
I want to upgrade my Schiit phono preamp for my Hana SL moving coil and I am considering Moon 110 Lp or Lehmann Black Cube.May I have your opinion,please_Thank you.
Technically you are discussing phono preamps which are there to impedance-match the cartridge to the system and, to equalise the signal from how it is stored on the record ( high frequencies are stored at an enhanced level and, bass frequencies are stored at a reduced level compared with the master tape). The equalisation, normally the so-called RIAA curve allows the signal to be more compact and give long playing times per side. It also reduces high frequency mechanical noise because the conversion to a flat frequency response lowers the treble gain. The phono preamp restores the flat frequency response by applying inverse equalisation. Cartridge signal levels are in the millivolt range so, signal gain is added by amplifying the signal to line level. The best systems allow accurate adjustment and matching of impedance, capacitance and gain whilst not introducing noise or, distortion. Some high-end turntables have their own built in phono preamplifiers that are incredibly good. Some preamplifiers have their own built in phono equalisers that are incredibly good. The best phono preamplifiers will have excellent dynamics, microdynamics, resolution and will be utterly compelling when presented with good signals from good turntables. The Lehmann black Cube is a compelling and charismatic performer especially with its upgraded power supply. Phono preamps therefore, are technically equalising interfaces or pre, preamplifiers since you use them to correctly connect a turntable to a preamplifier.
Thanks for this helpful analysis!
Per un suono caldo e potente con bassi in evidenza ed effetto punch, meglio black cube se o goldnote ph10?
Il problema è che il Goldnote costa 6/7 volte tanto il Black. Non sarebbe giusto paragonarli. Posso dire che il Black è favoloso per il prezzo.
Hello, i really like your videos,so i become a your fan.I would like to buy MM/MC pre amp ,but i have budget around 300-400$ i think about Cambridge audio Alva Duo.What can you say about this?Thank you in advance and keep going man.
Thanks! I am not familiar with that model but I do know Cambridge and they are very good. I am not crazy about having a headphone amp inside, brings more noise to a very sensitive circuit.
@@anadialog i really appreciate your opinion, i also think that this with the Bluetooth module and headphone amplifier is not nice, but they did it like that.The price is very good actually around 160$ in Bulgaria...so maybe i will try and i will share later my opinion to the audience.Thank you again and have a great day.
hello, I have an old preamplifier, the rts systems 405, tell me with the new technologies that you recommend will be better the quality of the latter against the rts or would it be the same ?? Any opinion about the quality of art phono plus ??
holy shit look at your collection
🤣
Hi, I have an Audio Technica AT LP3 with built-in preamp.
Do you recommend update external preamp, the sound will improve ? Thanks
Absolutely YES! Check the recommendations in the video description.
do u need preamp if u have a mixer ? most likely u dont but maybe I'm wrong
The question is if the turntable has a phono preamp or not...if not, then you most likely need one. A mixer might have one but it should have indicated phono and possibly a ground connection next to it.
@@anadialog ok thanks, thats how i am set up, keep doing this for many years but i just had to make sure :D
Weak is the wrong term as what comes out of tbe cartridge first must eqed with riaa eq than Amplified. I feel phono stage is a better term because we have phono stage than preamp & volume to the power amp to speakers.
Just my 2 cents
Thanks for the video's
We have a lower voltage but if I say weak, it is more clear to everyone. A phono stage is also a preamp, so they are both good.
Very useful learning ! Any chance to avoid the background music please ? It makes it harder to focus on your explanations. Thanks
Sorry about that. Eventually I lowered the volume in the later videos
I know this is an older video but I prefer the term phono stage, less confusing. Otherwise if I have to describe my current system I would say I have an MC cartridge running into a preamp running into another preamp running into a power amp. Very confusing!
Actually phono stage is a part of a preamplifier while a phono preamp is a standalone piece of gear
i have a decent Yamaha amp from the 90s? with a built in phono input and my Mk2 12010 sounds pretty good. would adding a dedicated pre-amp be a smart upgrade or do you think i should look at other things like a better cartridge? (i'm using an AT95e)
Hi Gordon, yes, I would first upgrade the cartrdige. Source is always paramount!
@@anadialog thanks bro
Hey, what about statement demo model is it so good as this one ? Thank you !
Pretty ticked off that the $320 Cambridge Audio Alva Duo preamp I got emits a hum. For the price I didn't think this would happen. Too bad bc it has a headphone jack. I'm going to have to go exchange it and get a separate headphone amp
Nice video, thanks for explaining things. But I can't bring my self to spend 1000$ on that, so I'm going to try the behringer ufo 202 to see if I can use my 200s Yamaha amp that doesn't have a phono. My Technics amp just won't play surround properly.
Make sure you also check the other suggestions in the video description!
Lehmannaudio Black Cube use OPA2227 on first stage and second stage are OPA2134 Op-Amps. Lehmannaudio Black Cube cost £635 with PWX power supply. This preamp is not bad but this preamp is too expensive for normal user. Also, optimise Hi-Fi system are not to buy better preamplifier (on paper), it is to adapt preamplifer input with phono cartridge what you use. This is only possible with correct imput loading (RC filter) and measurements. Sound on ears may be good but this not mean that this sound is correct. Try to change this OPA2227 with OPA1642 and see what happen. Black Box use OPA2227 only because that this Op-Amp have low noise and good sound precision and this is what is need in preamp first stage but how many OPA2134 have louder noise than OP2227? Only 3dB and this noise floor is under -130dB.
I agree, this was just a simple video to direct people towards a standaline phono pre-amp. Black cube is obtainable at a very good price in the used marked, that is also why I suggested it, but you are right, it is a little too expensive for a newby. For matching I did this other vid. Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/T428mIuw9IQ/v-deo.html
Thank you. This can sure be a confusing topic. Please help me to understand. Is the "Black Cube" a standalone preamp? In other words, can I go from this Black Cube phono preamp directly into a power amp or do I still need to go from the Black Cube into another standard line-level preamp and then into a poweramp? I'm referring to separate components here. Thank you.
No black cube as every phono preamp brings a phono level to a line level so you can connect it directly to a power amp if you want.
...but youhave no volume or tone controls without a preamplifier. I would not connect a non adjustable line signaldirectly to a power amp, if this has no volume control.
It was a night and day difference going from the pre-amp build into my Yamaha receiver to a Phono Box S. I was skeptical, but now I tell everyone they need a separate preamp. There are some vintage receivers or amps with good built in phono preamps but they are few and far between, and are usually models that hold their value.
Thanks for sharing that! A lot of people don't believe this...
Bad phono amps in integrated amplifiers/receivers ? How can that be when NJM2043 (obsolete), NJM2068, NJM4558, µPC4570, NJM4580, AN6558 Op Amp ICs and 3300µF electrolytic capcitors (NO low ESR, in negative feedback) are installed ?🤣
Your thoughts about the ifi zen phono?
Hello
My questions is , I have a Project Phono Tube Box DS preamp . My speakers are Klipsch RF7 . I don't believe I get rumble but have read using the subsonic filter helps tighten the bass. Should I use it or not ? The rest of my system is technics sl1200g and yamaha as 1200. Thank you for your time . I will be installing a denon dl103r this weekend currently using denon dl110.
Hi there, well, obviously apart from recommendations, you should just test with your ears if it is better or not. Personally, I prefer not to use it. It's always a filter and it may cut out some good frequencies.
Thank you
Hi! I'm using a an AT-LP120X together with a Nikko TRM-750 amplifier which has two Phono inputs and I think I'm getting a great sound out, do you think I still need a preamp? And if I do, will I have to use the phono inputs on my Nikko or do I use Aux/Tuner? Thanks so much!
Hi Pietro, a standalone phono preamp is always a good idea, obviously a quality one. If you get one, no, you must connect it to a normal line input, aux, tuner or anything else is good, not the phono input.
@@anadialog Thanks! I think I'll get one as soon as possible. Keep up the good work on your channel!
Would be great if you could explain the differences between gain and impedance, some preamps have these options... explain it to me as if I am 10 years old. My understanding so far about impedance is some MC cartridges have a Low impedance so the impedance on the preamp is usually set to 100 ohms. Increasing the impedance on the preamp to lets say 500 ohms would give a higher pass through of the signal resulting in more highs?
A preamp with these settings is actually preferable to those with none in order to achieve a better match with your cartridge. In any case, usualky, these settings are present when MC cartrdiges get into the picture. Gain and impedence are stricly connected. You are going to need a specific gain (signal amplitude) according to the impedence of your cartridge. In other words we usually say set the correct load on the phono preamp in order to match the cartridge impedence. MM are usually produced with a standard 47k ohms resistance so that is why in many cases fedicated MM preamps do not have gain and impedence settings.
I have a denon avr-2500h that has a dedicated phono input with a ground, do i still need to get a external pre amp, to me my technics sl-q30 sounds really good hooked up this way.
Hi there, in my opinion if you get a high quality dedicated phono preamp, you will truly unlock the potential of vinyl along with a similar cartridge. Those integrated in receivers and amp are of low quality compared to a dedicated piece of gear.
I would like to upgrade to a pre-amp. My question is what function do I need to use for the pre-amp? I'm using a late 90s Pioneer receiver. Since I can't use phono, I have VCR/Tape1...Monitor Tape2...DVD TV... LD/ Sat... CD. Suggestions?
3 questions: What turntable are you using? What type of cartridge? What input are you using on the receiver?
@@anadialog Hello. I plan on upgrading to a Fluance RT 85 it comes with a 2m Blue Ortofon. I also plan on a Shiit Mani pre amp. At the present I'm using the dedicated phono function to power a Numark table. Thanks for your reply.
Ok, so if I understood correctly you question, you just need to hook up tye Fluance to the manii and that to your amp/receiver normal input and your set...does this answer your question?
@@anadialog Yes thank you. I can use my CD input for the mani. Cheers.
I have an audio technica at lp120, my question is, is it worth adding (129 dollars) Pro-Ject Audio Phono Box DC? or there will not be much difference with the internal preamp of my turntable, thanks
IMHO...absolutely YES!
ana[dia]log thanks for your answer! :-)
My turntable has a p mount cart, not much to pick from,certainly no ortifon blues in p mount
Hello i have a lehman audio préampli but i have a little buzz in the background and when il m touching the arm sometimes it makes noise crack...And where do you put the earth of the turntable and the earth of the préamplificateur?
You must connect the earth of the TT to the screw of the phono preamp, if this was the question. For the humm (buzz) it is most probably a bad power cable of your gear, it could be any component that is polluting the power of your gear. Try detaching one power cable at the time and see if there are changes.
Hello thanks. And the earth of the preamp to my main amp?
I will try with what you say with the power câblés( i have a VPI traveller’s with a mc dynavector Dv 20x2L and a black cube SE2 ) do you think the power câble of the lehman must be changed as lehman it s serious material ? And if so what kind of cable must I buy? Many thanks for your very interesting videos.
And must I connect the earth of the preamp to my amp as it s meaning the earth of the TT and the preamp will be together in the preamp earth connector?
@@michelraffin7006 no, the pre-amp with the amp, no! No, not the cable of the Lehmann. You must check ALL the power cables of your system, that are connected to the near wall sockets.
Hello again so I tried to,put thTT earth to my,preamp and the buzz is worse. And When I disconnect my TT of the preamp (this one still connect to my main amp) there is no,more buzz
Can I use this pre Amplifier with my Pioneer Elite VSX47TX receiver?
You can use any pre-amp. The output signal is at that point a normal line signal, like a CD player. Just make sure to connect it to a normal input NOT a phono stage input.
Thanks !
What do you think of this product I am about to buy for my Clearaudio concept turntable ?
: Mobile Fidelity StudioPhono
And when I will have the money I will buy this :
Aurorasound Vida Prima...
MoFi pre sounds good on the paper, I did not have the opportunity to listen to it. Tim de Paravici worked on it and that already a guarantee. I don't like muche the higher frequency estension (20khz) but it is more than sufficient, the lower freq. are amazing! (5hz). I am not sure if this has a separate power supply... the Aurorasound does not, I think that is fundamental for high quality reproduction...nevertheless , these are excellent products!
Thanks !
If I had the money I would take the Aurorasound Vida Supreme...
Maybe one day !...
Hello, i finaly got my fist ext pre amp from cambridge audio. I am curently testing it. I am wondering about the low frequencies. Is it normal that they feel less present than with my internal preamp? Do i have to keep it working so the bass will emerge?
Things will certainly get better but even if still green you should have had a wow effect immediately! Are you sure you've loaded it correctly according to your cartridge? Is the gain set correctly?
@@anadialog yeah i don't have the wow effect for now and so is for my dad that listen with me. I may have not set the gain properly (i am a beginer). I have the cambridge solo. Maybe the preamp in my hk 503 is not that bad. In any case i don't now how to fit the gain properly.
Thank you for always taking the time to answer. I really appreciate it 🙏
Oh ok, it's all fixed. I saw the specs. The only thing to pay attention is to use a MM cart, then you're good. Hope it gets better! Otherwise, if possible, return it and get a different one. I am sorry this isn't working as expected!
@@anadialog yes i am.using a MM cart. Its really good on the treble but i feel like it's not warm enough on the bass for jazz listening (tone poet series and music matters masterings). So i am wondering if the bass will open up or not. I'll tell you if you'd like so.
Ok!
Can anyone recommend a good preamp with USB out? Or if the ART USB Phono Plus Turntable Preamp is any good? I have an AT-LP120 turntable which I plan on removing the internal preamp on it and replacing the cartridge with the At440mlb. I only want to be able to rip my vinyl collection in lossless (flac) audio files in the best quality possible, any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
For the best quality possible you need, IMHO, a dedicated A/D converter...that sets the 'sound' of your digital files..
@@anadialog Would you happen to know of any with USB out?
Should I use the preamp that's built into my lp120 and use just a aux in my receiver or bypass and use the phono? I do want to eventually take out the preamp, I was going to do that and use the phono on my receiver. Until I saw this video lol
I am glad! It depends, what receiver do you have? The best, as you can imagine is a standalone preamp!
ana[dia]log I have an older Technics receiver
Try both and see wich is better...I think the Technics will he better in the end...
ana[dia]log thank you for the help!
OK... it costs like 5x more than my turntable is worth these days :) And where do I plug this thing in? In to the "regular" pre amp phono-in?
Hi Baerchenization! Well the Black Cube is just an (optimal) example. Here are other three excellent examples around 50/150$-€: www.rolls.com/product.php?pid=VP29 (50$)
www.talkelectronics.com/edwards-audio-apprentice-mm-phono-stage/ (100$)
www.tisburyaudio.co.uk/domino-phono-preamplifier (150$)
If you have a built-in preamp inside your turntable you MUST have a phono out (if you have ONLY a line out you cannot add an external pre-amp). This is because you use a pre-amp ONLY with the signal is coming directly from your cartridge (i.e. with no pre-amp on board). From the phono out jacks you connect the right and left channel of the turntable to those of the preamp (and then from the pre-amp to the receiver or amplifier). Here is a pic: www.phonopreamps.com/images/phonopreamphookup.jpg
If you do NOT have an on-board pre-amp, then you will need an external preamp which is connected in the same way as in the pic above. Clear?
I forgot to mention...in order to properly match a pre-amp with your cartridge (or viceversa), check this video: ua-cam.com/video/T428mIuw9IQ/v-deo.html
I have a Linn Basik from early 90s, which is in the attic for about a decade now. But lately I am shopping around on Ebay to get everything going again. I will keep the old speakers and the Linn, because vinyl had always been more auxiliary for me and the focus on the CD collection. So I don't mind adding a pre amp, but one that is reasonable for what I have... I found myself an Audiolab 8200Q preamp, but it seems it has not been designed with vinyl in mind. Anybody remember the old Basik? At least mine came with some really shitty/wobbly triple rubber feet setup - is it possible to convert that to something more "normal"? Wtf were they thinking at Linn?!
Hey! A Linn is always a Linn. Yes, you should stick with it. You can always upgrade after. Which tonearm do you have? Cartridge? The Audio lab is NOT a Phone pre-amp but the receiver preamplifier. Most high quality set-ups do not have a classic stand alone receiver/amplifier (AKA integrated amplifier). They are always compose of a pre-amp and a power amp. A phono pre-amp is just for your turntable. In a lot of cases the pre-amp could have had on board a also a phono pre-amp but not on your Audiolab (in fact it has 2 dedicated outputs)
To be honest, I never knew... all I know is that the "table" cost 300 Marks back then, which was surprisingly cheap in my mind - until I learned that that is to be taken literally, and so the entire usable turntable cost 1000 Marks :D The dealer had put it together, I got no idea. Yes I understand the phono pre amp is only for the turntable, so I would feed that in to the Audiolab phono-in? Last time I had seem my poor Linn I noticed that the tension of the lid hinges cracked the acrylic cover; searching on the internet, some Linn parts dealer wants ca 150 Pounds for a new lid - or I could have an entire pre-owned Basik system on Ebay for the same money, giving me a few spare parts extra free :P
I don't think pre amps are good at the purchase level being recommended. My perspective in building a hifi system spend most of your budget on the speakers, the the next largest proportion on the amp then the turntable. At moderate( €600 to €25000) costs an integrated amp is going to give you more bang for your buck. The reason I say that is a well designed integrated amp is going to have a shorter signal path with less interference than a cheap amp combined with a cheap Pre-amp. It will produce a better sound than a budget amp with a budget pre-amp. ( The pre-amps recommended in this video are budget). You only start to see massive change in sound performance with high end pre-amps and amps. So you understand comment in context I am running a modified/ upgraded Thorens TD160 into a Magnat RV3 integrated( and hybrid) amp. In the price range I was working in a separate amp and pre-amp would not out perform the RV3, Add a €1000.00 budget on top of that and then you start to hear a significant difference that would recommend for a separate pre-amp and amp. Basically what I think is best, at the budget prices being recommended, I would suggest stick with an integrated amp and put the $100-$200 into a better cartridge, or a slightly more expensive integrated amp.
I absolutely disagree. The Lehmann Black Cube SE is not a budget phono pre-amp nor a high-end model but the sonic jump from a standard integrated phono stage is truly phenomenal. I am talking day and night difference. I purchased other phono pre-amps that cost me 4 times more but the quality went up just a little bit. Other fundamental aspect is the separation of the power transformer that does not take place in an integrated amp. True high fidelity at the correct price.
@@anadialog Come on you didn't even check on the amp I mentioned. I really Doubt the Lehmann black would beat the Tube preamp stage in the Magnat RV3. Which despite your assertion has separate shields for the transformer and the power caps! Other makes also go to the effort of shielding the transformer and power caps. Preamps come into their own only when you get into the €2000 plus range. My comment was particularly targeted AT THE $100 -$200 preamps you recommend.
needing a preamp, lol. That's why my records had barely no sound when I was 9-10 years old, my cheap turntable had no preamp. hahah I know better now
do you guys ship to the uk
It's a Hi-fi channel, not a shop!
@@anadialog the question still stands
Ship what?!
Go to triode dick and build youre own pre phono amp!!! all tube its a phonodude and there is a us discription. the best thing happend to my system. also build the kt88 bill with high qaulity parts! supurb for analog die hards!!!
Interesting...looking into this!
Hey there is also the audio creative website. with a special design tone arm they made
there is also a phonodude kit on audio creative website
I checked but apart from being all in Dutch, it seems that all products are discontinued or not available...can you post a link?
hey! no!!! haha! there is an english version try triode dick.com And al the producs are for self build by the great dutch tube designer triode dick all real high end stuff. for the complete phonodude go to audio creative . nl and select webshop. the webshop is mostly english or ask them. they are really nice peoply and the will reply in english. (way better than mine english!) those guys are mostley in the search for an honest product cheap as posible but high end without the snakeoyl. Do youreself a favor and check them the phonodude also comes as a kit. i build mine and it is a true wonder! i also made a Bill its a k88 al tube amp with big transformers beats every amp. also theck the groovemaster tonearm! good luck! thanks for al the tips! KEEP GOING!
Great review, buddy! Couple mV signal definitely needs dedicated pre-amp-eq, which would have significantly add to cost of all-in-one turntable. Another point is a separate case and even power supply, to minimize interference with weak signal from mm/mc head. I’m about to buy such device, and now inclined to Schiit Mani, basically due to affordable cost (129$) and very positive reviews. Ian from His famous HiVinyls channel rated as a top phono preamp, even better than Black Cube SEII (1100$). If you are interested in making your own comparison of your Black Cube against Schiit Mani,it would be cool to watch. Especially, if you sample sound via mic and compare both signals at least visually, to see which one is more detailed and wider in dynamic range. This link to Ian’s review:
ua-cam.com/video/TaARB28ZHkw/v-deo.html
Thanks! Could be! I have a headohone amp by Schiit and it is very good. The Mani is such a bargain at that price...unbeatable!
The 12 longest minuets of my life.
😂😂😂not my favorite vid...check my other ones!
get a rolls bellari
QuatschAudio
we are not 3 yrs. old stop talking down your nose at us.
I have a turntable Technica LP 120 with pré AMP and a Yamaha Receiver. Would you recommend to install between the turntable and Receiver a external Pre- Amplifier?
Hi Anderson, if it has a PHONO OUT (selector or output), and I di think it does, the answer is: YES! Ansolutely! If you get a good quality phono preamp you will imnediately have a much better sound.
ana[dia]log thank you Very much friend ;)