PHONOPREAMPS.COM
FAQ Page
Frequently Asked Questions Warranty and Return Info
About Phonopreamps.com Contact Us
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Is it in
stock???
When will I have it???
Can I track my package enroute?
I'm outside the USA. What should I know about buying your products? Will it work on my voltage?
What is a phono preamp, and why do I need one?
Who makes the preamps we sell?
Can I track my package enroute?
I'm outside the USA. What should I know about buying your products? Will it work on my voltage?
What is a phono preamp, and why do I need one?
Who makes the preamps we sell?
Is it in stock??? When
will I have it???
If we're advertising it, we've got it in stock... The only exceptions are certain low demand replacement styli, which we stock in small quantities and reorder as needed. If this happens, we'll email you with an ETA. Buyers will receive shipping confirmation from Paypal. We ship virtually every business day, and use Priority Mail for most domestic shipping; items generally arrive at their destinations in less than a week. Use the email link near the bottom of this page if you need to contact us about your order. (top)
Can I track my package enroute?
No. Despite wording indicating otherwise, the "tracking" numbers Paypal sends in shipping confirmation emails to our domestic customers allow delivery confirmation; they are not meant to provide enroute tracking. Nonetheless, you may find acceptance info and other enroute scan data posted online, as USPS enhances its abilities. Per the USPS website regarding delivery confirmation numbers:
I'm outside the USA. What should I know about buying your products? Will it work on my voltage?
What does a phono preamp do, and why do I need one?
Unlike line level audio sources you connect to a stereo (DVD/CD players, tape decks, TV audio, minidisc, etc.), the output from a magnetic cartridge installed in a good quality turntable is MUCH lower, and requires an additional stage of amplification to bring it up to the same volume as the other sources you listen to thru your stereo. This additional amp stage, the phono preamp, is built-in to most older receivers and amps, allowing direct connection of a turntable. However, newer stereo equipment (including virtually all mini-systems and home theatre units, as well as many stereo receivers and amps), have NO phono input (this because records and turntables are supposedly obsolete in today's world dominated by CDs and DVDs). In order to utilise the inputs such units DO have (Aux, Tape, Line, Video, CD, etc.) to connect a turntable, you need to first pass the signal thru an external phono preamp to bump the level. The same level increase is needed if you're connecting a turntable to a computer sound card's line input so you can make CD-Rs from LPs; again, the external phono preamp provides it. (top)
If we're advertising it, we've got it in stock... The only exceptions are certain low demand replacement styli, which we stock in small quantities and reorder as needed. If this happens, we'll email you with an ETA. Buyers will receive shipping confirmation from Paypal. We ship virtually every business day, and use Priority Mail for most domestic shipping; items generally arrive at their destinations in less than a week. Use the email link near the bottom of this page if you need to contact us about your order. (top)
Can I track my package enroute?
No. Despite wording indicating otherwise, the "tracking" numbers Paypal sends in shipping confirmation emails to our domestic customers allow delivery confirmation; they are not meant to provide enroute tracking. Nonetheless, you may find acceptance info and other enroute scan data posted online, as USPS enhances its abilities. Per the USPS website regarding delivery confirmation numbers:
Note: This service does not provide tracking information, it will not provide updated scan information as the item is enroute. It will only provide the delivery or attempted delivery information. If there is no scan event information available for your mailing, you will receive a message similar to one of the following:
- "No information is available for this item. Please contact the sender."
- "There is no record of that item. If it was mailed recently, information may not yet be available. Please try again later."
This does not mean that the item has not been mailed. It just means that it has not been scanned in as having been delivered.
USPS does not guarantee enroute tracking availability for mail classes other than Express Mail. (top)All orders sent outside the USA (including to
Canada) may require the payment of VAT, import duties and any other
taxes the destination country sees fit to charge upon delivery; these
are the buyer's responsibility and are NOT included in what we charge
for the product or shipping. Small
items such as cartridges, styli and hubs typically fall below the
minimum amount eligible for such tariffs. USPS First Class or
Priority Mail shipping is used depending on the item. These are not normally
trackable methods, although this varies from country to country;
however the customs tag number we provide via email does allow acceptance
confirmation (time and place of mailing via the USPS website). We reserve the
right to drop-ship some items directly from TCC in Taiwan using EMS. We
do this very selectively, mostly to Far East destinations, but also to
countries where delivery is problematic and EMS tracking can provide some
protection against pilfering or loss. Italy, Portugal, Brazil, and
Mexico are permanently on our list of countries in this category;
TC-754s, TC-760LCs, TC-778s and TC-720s sent to these destinations
normally drop-ship from Taiwan.
All preamps we sell include power supplies except the battery powered TC-450 ( for which an AC adaptor is optional) . Plug styles and voltages we stock are shown below; we use the guide available here to determine voltage and plug sent. You may need to obtain a plug adaptor to match your local mains plug style. This applies in particular to RSA/NZ/Australia buyers who will receive the UK plug style "G" plug shown below.
All preamps we sell include power supplies except the battery powered TC-450 ( for which an AC adaptor is optional) . Plug styles and voltages we stock are shown below; we use the guide available here to determine voltage and plug sent. You may need to obtain a plug adaptor to match your local mains plug style. This applies in particular to RSA/NZ/Australia buyers who will receive the UK plug style "G" plug shown below.
|
100/110/120VAC Type A  This is the plug style used in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Japan. . |
220/230/240VAC EU Type C
220/230/240VAC UK Type G
(not available for TC-400G/L; EU plug will be sent instead)
 |
What does a phono preamp do, and why do I need one?
Unlike line level audio sources you connect to a stereo (DVD/CD players, tape decks, TV audio, minidisc, etc.), the output from a magnetic cartridge installed in a good quality turntable is MUCH lower, and requires an additional stage of amplification to bring it up to the same volume as the other sources you listen to thru your stereo. This additional amp stage, the phono preamp, is built-in to most older receivers and amps, allowing direct connection of a turntable. However, newer stereo equipment (including virtually all mini-systems and home theatre units, as well as many stereo receivers and amps), have NO phono input (this because records and turntables are supposedly obsolete in today's world dominated by CDs and DVDs). In order to utilise the inputs such units DO have (Aux, Tape, Line, Video, CD, etc.) to connect a turntable, you need to first pass the signal thru an external phono preamp to bump the level. The same level increase is needed if you're connecting a turntable to a computer sound card's line input so you can make CD-Rs from LPs; again, the external phono preamp provides it. (top)
Who makes the preamps Phonopreamps.com sells?
The preamps and switchers we carry are made by Translink Cables and Connectors in Taiwan, also doing business there as Technolink Enterprise Co. This is why some models we sell are labeled TCC, while others bear the TEC logo. All come from the same production facility and receive the same rigorous quality control screening. Every preamp is individually tested for power and proper audio at the factory before being shipped. We interact with our friends there on a near-daily basis, and are deeply involved in product design and production of the models we sell. Current models inspired by Phonopreamps.com include the TC-450, the TC-754, the TC-778 and the TC-760LC. Some well-known brand names have appeared on TCC/TEC products, among them Recoton, Acoustic Research and MCM. Beware of copy-cat products being sold on the internet and in Europe; at least two models (the TC-400 and TC-750) have been shamelssly copied by a mainland China knockoff producer. This might qualify as a compliment of sorts, if the copies weren't so shoddy...
The preamps and switchers we carry are made by Translink Cables and Connectors in Taiwan, also doing business there as Technolink Enterprise Co. This is why some models we sell are labeled TCC, while others bear the TEC logo. All come from the same production facility and receive the same rigorous quality control screening. Every preamp is individually tested for power and proper audio at the factory before being shipped. We interact with our friends there on a near-daily basis, and are deeply involved in product design and production of the models we sell. Current models inspired by Phonopreamps.com include the TC-450, the TC-754, the TC-778 and the TC-760LC. Some well-known brand names have appeared on TCC/TEC products, among them Recoton, Acoustic Research and MCM. Beware of copy-cat products being sold on the internet and in Europe; at least two models (the TC-400 and TC-750) have been shamelssly copied by a mainland China knockoff producer. This might qualify as a compliment of sorts, if the copies weren't so shoddy...
Because of
limitations in the LP recording process, an equalization curve must be
applied to the music or other sonic content prior to it being cut onto
vinyl, so as to reduce backround noise and sibilance. Removing this
equalization affect (called the RIAA curve) and restoring the
music's original frequency response curve during playback is an
important part of the phono preamp's job and differentiates it from
other preamps used for microphones and musical instruments, which
provide gain but no other modification of the original sound quality.
Proper RIAA re-equalization during playback is a must in faithfully
producing the original musical content without coloration or
distortion. (top)
Which phono preamp is best for me?
Obviously, the more money you invest, the better the performance and sound quality of the preamp you buy will be. Signal-to-noise ratio is the most important criteria; the higher the number, the lower the backround hiss level will be. This may not be particularly crucial if the overall playback system's quality is low (a cheap minisystem or sound card, for instance; both may generate enough hiss in their own right to obscure any added by the preamp), but matters a great deal when comparing LP fidelity to other sources like CD on a good playback system. Ability to faithfully correct RIAA equalization is another important sonic quality; higher-priced products do it better. Additional features like mike inputs and a power indicator may be useful to one user but not to the next; buy only what you need. (top)
Why is there no power switch on most phono preamps? Why are there no AC cords on the ones Phonopreamps.com sells?
Phono preamps as a class draw almost no electricity, whether in use or idle, so providing a means of depowering them isn't an issue. Most of ours have a power indicator so you can tell they're plugged in, but again this is more of a convenience than a needed feature. Many stereo receivers and amps have a switched AC outlet on their rear which you can plug the preamp into if you want it depowered when not in use.... Eliminating the AC cord and moving the power supply out of the preamp itself by utilising an AC adaptor (commonly called a "wall wart" in the electronics business) has three major advantages;
A)Separating the power supply physically from the preamp circuitry reduces circuit and AC noise, and improves S/N ratio.
B)The power supply can be replaced in the event of lightning or surge damage without having to replace the entire preamp.
C)The preamp can be powered by any clean source capable of generating the proper DC voltage, including batteries or the power supply in an existing piece of equipment, such as a mixer or console used by studios or DJs. Also, the preamp can be used anywhere in the world by simply obtaining a replacement AC adaptor made for the local mains voltage (100VAC, 220VAC, 240VAC,etc) at Radio Shack or its local equivalent. (top)
What do I do with the ground wire on my turntable?
Most (but far from all) turntables have a ground wire connected internally to the chassis or frame and the tonearm tube (assuming the tube is metal) to provide shielding and hum reduction. Failure to connect the ground wire to an appropriate ground on your stereo or computer will result in 60 cycle hum (often sufficient in level to obscure the music). On some turntables (particularly Technics) this wire may be removeable via a screw-type terminal or plug-in connector; be sure to examine the rear of your table before assuming it does not require a ground wire. There ARE some turntables which utilise the RCA cable's shield to provide the chassis ground connection, so if no ground wire is present, none may in fact be needed; but always look to make sure no one's amputated it!. On older amps and receivers having a built-in preamp, the ground point to which the turntable ground wire attaches is provided and marked as such (usually right near the phono jacks). Minisystems and home theatre units often have an antenna terminal assembly including an AM ground screw or terminal; this can sometimes be used for the turntable ground wire. All of our preamps have a ground wire terminal; this is by far the best place to connect the ground wire, especially if using with a computer sound card (the metal rear panel of the computer being the alternative). (top)
What's the difference between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
(and which do I have?) What's a ceramic cartridge?
Moving magnet (MM) cartridges are the common variety, characterized by high output impedence (typically 47k ohms) and a removeable, replaceable stylus (what most people call a needle); these are the cartridges phono preamps work with. Moving coil (MC) cartridges on the other hand, are low impedence devices (anywhere from 10 to 1000 ohms) which require a step-up transformer or "pre-preamp" to connect. Our TC-760 and TC-760LC models work with both MC and MM cartridges. MC cartridges rarely have replaceable styli, and can cost more than than many of us spend for our entire stereo systems. If you have a moving coil cartridge, chances are you know it.... Ceramic cartridges are the cheap, primitive type found on kiddy and fold-up record players, as well as the console stereos which were common before component stereo. Usually they have a "flip-over" needle (LP on one side, 78 on the other) and horrendous fidelity. One play with a ceramic cartridge will ruin a record for good, so never lend your LPs out! (top)
How do I play or record from 78rpm records?
Several companies make outrageously expensive 78 turntables for audiophiles; these are beyond consideration for someone with a casual interest in archiving 78s to CD-R or MP3. As a practical matter, most will choose one of the two reasonably inexpensive routes that follow (both kinds of record changer mentioned below are easily found at tag sales and flea markets);
A) Locate a ceramic cartridge record changer that has 78 on the speed selector (generally the cartridge will have a flip-over needle, with LP on one side and 78 on the other); hook it to a line level input on your stereo or sound card (no preamp required), and have at it... fidelity isn't an issue here, but remember most 78s have no lead-in groove, so you'll have to cue up the record by hand; and keep a quarter handy, you'll probably need it to weigh the arm enough so it won't skip. Expect the results to resemble what you hear listening thru a telephone.
B) Locate a magnetic cartridge record changer that has 78 on the speed selector. Look for the following makes; Dual, Elac, Miracord, BSR, Collaro, Garrard, PE (these were also sold under the Impro label). Many other brand names appeared on tables made by these companies (Realistic, KLH and Fisher are good examples), so keep an open mind. A few really old (50-60s) single-play belt drive turntable models (notibly Thorens) may have 78 as well. You'll then need to obtain a cartridge for which a 78 stylus is still available; we sell Audio Technica cartridges with 78 styli to fit them (CLICK HERE for a look at these). NEVER try to play a 78 with an LP stylus; you'll ruin both the record and the stylus. Tracking force (normally somewhere in the 1-4 gram range when playing LPs) will need to beset for 5-7 grams for reliable tracking of 78s. This option WILL require the use of a phono preamp unless your stereo has one built in. Fidelity will be only as good as a 78 is capable of providing (but far superior to the ceramic option). Remember that your typical phono preamp is mindlessly applying RIAA re-equalization in error to what you'll be hearing, since 78s had no or only rudimentary equalization applied during production. Our TC-778 preamp provides switchable RIAA/78 equalization to deal with this issue. The more sophisticated CD burning software packages include filters and enhancements to "fix" 78 sound quality; our advice is don't expect much. (top)
How do I copy records onto CD-Rs?
Mechanically, no problem. Connect your turntable to the input on any of our preamps, and the preamp's output to the line input on your computer sound card or laptop (all of our preamps come with the required connectors). Your CD burner software does the rest. There are tons of resources on LP to CD-R recording on the web; for one such page, GO HERE. A Google search using the keywords "CD-R" and "LP" will yield plenty more like it. (top)
How do I use the NAB hub adaptors you sell on my reel-to-reel?
Our NAB adaptors will work with both plastic and metal reels, and fit any 10.5" machine which has reel retainers built into the reel table spindles. Most machines made after 1970 have these; the two common varieties are spring-loaded (Sony, Pioneer and others) and screw-twist (Teac, Akai and others). You're likely already familiar with these if you use the machine in the vertical position with 7" reels; if not, your machine's owner's manual explains how they work. Hub adaptors do NOT allow the use of 10.5" reels on machines which are designed only to utilise 7" reels. Metal NAB reels are quite a bit thinner than plastic ones, and sometimes require spacers placed between the reel table and reel to prevent the tape from rubbing against the edge of the reel. We do not supply spacers; they can easily be created from sheet rubber or the plastic lids found on margarine and cream cheese tubs, and should be the same diameter as the reel tables on your machine. (top)
Which phono preamp is best for me?
Obviously, the more money you invest, the better the performance and sound quality of the preamp you buy will be. Signal-to-noise ratio is the most important criteria; the higher the number, the lower the backround hiss level will be. This may not be particularly crucial if the overall playback system's quality is low (a cheap minisystem or sound card, for instance; both may generate enough hiss in their own right to obscure any added by the preamp), but matters a great deal when comparing LP fidelity to other sources like CD on a good playback system. Ability to faithfully correct RIAA equalization is another important sonic quality; higher-priced products do it better. Additional features like mike inputs and a power indicator may be useful to one user but not to the next; buy only what you need. (top)
Why is there no power switch on most phono preamps? Why are there no AC cords on the ones Phonopreamps.com sells?
Phono preamps as a class draw almost no electricity, whether in use or idle, so providing a means of depowering them isn't an issue. Most of ours have a power indicator so you can tell they're plugged in, but again this is more of a convenience than a needed feature. Many stereo receivers and amps have a switched AC outlet on their rear which you can plug the preamp into if you want it depowered when not in use.... Eliminating the AC cord and moving the power supply out of the preamp itself by utilising an AC adaptor (commonly called a "wall wart" in the electronics business) has three major advantages;
A)Separating the power supply physically from the preamp circuitry reduces circuit and AC noise, and improves S/N ratio.
B)The power supply can be replaced in the event of lightning or surge damage without having to replace the entire preamp.
C)The preamp can be powered by any clean source capable of generating the proper DC voltage, including batteries or the power supply in an existing piece of equipment, such as a mixer or console used by studios or DJs. Also, the preamp can be used anywhere in the world by simply obtaining a replacement AC adaptor made for the local mains voltage (100VAC, 220VAC, 240VAC,etc) at Radio Shack or its local equivalent. (top)
What do I do with the ground wire on my turntable?
Most (but far from all) turntables have a ground wire connected internally to the chassis or frame and the tonearm tube (assuming the tube is metal) to provide shielding and hum reduction. Failure to connect the ground wire to an appropriate ground on your stereo or computer will result in 60 cycle hum (often sufficient in level to obscure the music). On some turntables (particularly Technics) this wire may be removeable via a screw-type terminal or plug-in connector; be sure to examine the rear of your table before assuming it does not require a ground wire. There ARE some turntables which utilise the RCA cable's shield to provide the chassis ground connection, so if no ground wire is present, none may in fact be needed; but always look to make sure no one's amputated it!. On older amps and receivers having a built-in preamp, the ground point to which the turntable ground wire attaches is provided and marked as such (usually right near the phono jacks). Minisystems and home theatre units often have an antenna terminal assembly including an AM ground screw or terminal; this can sometimes be used for the turntable ground wire. All of our preamps have a ground wire terminal; this is by far the best place to connect the ground wire, especially if using with a computer sound card (the metal rear panel of the computer being the alternative). (top)
What's the difference between moving magnet and moving coil cartridges
(and which do I have?) What's a ceramic cartridge?
Moving magnet (MM) cartridges are the common variety, characterized by high output impedence (typically 47k ohms) and a removeable, replaceable stylus (what most people call a needle); these are the cartridges phono preamps work with. Moving coil (MC) cartridges on the other hand, are low impedence devices (anywhere from 10 to 1000 ohms) which require a step-up transformer or "pre-preamp" to connect. Our TC-760 and TC-760LC models work with both MC and MM cartridges. MC cartridges rarely have replaceable styli, and can cost more than than many of us spend for our entire stereo systems. If you have a moving coil cartridge, chances are you know it.... Ceramic cartridges are the cheap, primitive type found on kiddy and fold-up record players, as well as the console stereos which were common before component stereo. Usually they have a "flip-over" needle (LP on one side, 78 on the other) and horrendous fidelity. One play with a ceramic cartridge will ruin a record for good, so never lend your LPs out! (top)
How do I play or record from 78rpm records?
Several companies make outrageously expensive 78 turntables for audiophiles; these are beyond consideration for someone with a casual interest in archiving 78s to CD-R or MP3. As a practical matter, most will choose one of the two reasonably inexpensive routes that follow (both kinds of record changer mentioned below are easily found at tag sales and flea markets);
A) Locate a ceramic cartridge record changer that has 78 on the speed selector (generally the cartridge will have a flip-over needle, with LP on one side and 78 on the other); hook it to a line level input on your stereo or sound card (no preamp required), and have at it... fidelity isn't an issue here, but remember most 78s have no lead-in groove, so you'll have to cue up the record by hand; and keep a quarter handy, you'll probably need it to weigh the arm enough so it won't skip. Expect the results to resemble what you hear listening thru a telephone.
B) Locate a magnetic cartridge record changer that has 78 on the speed selector. Look for the following makes; Dual, Elac, Miracord, BSR, Collaro, Garrard, PE (these were also sold under the Impro label). Many other brand names appeared on tables made by these companies (Realistic, KLH and Fisher are good examples), so keep an open mind. A few really old (50-60s) single-play belt drive turntable models (notibly Thorens) may have 78 as well. You'll then need to obtain a cartridge for which a 78 stylus is still available; we sell Audio Technica cartridges with 78 styli to fit them (CLICK HERE for a look at these). NEVER try to play a 78 with an LP stylus; you'll ruin both the record and the stylus. Tracking force (normally somewhere in the 1-4 gram range when playing LPs) will need to beset for 5-7 grams for reliable tracking of 78s. This option WILL require the use of a phono preamp unless your stereo has one built in. Fidelity will be only as good as a 78 is capable of providing (but far superior to the ceramic option). Remember that your typical phono preamp is mindlessly applying RIAA re-equalization in error to what you'll be hearing, since 78s had no or only rudimentary equalization applied during production. Our TC-778 preamp provides switchable RIAA/78 equalization to deal with this issue. The more sophisticated CD burning software packages include filters and enhancements to "fix" 78 sound quality; our advice is don't expect much. (top)
How do I copy records onto CD-Rs?
Mechanically, no problem. Connect your turntable to the input on any of our preamps, and the preamp's output to the line input on your computer sound card or laptop (all of our preamps come with the required connectors). Your CD burner software does the rest. There are tons of resources on LP to CD-R recording on the web; for one such page, GO HERE. A Google search using the keywords "CD-R" and "LP" will yield plenty more like it. (top)
How do I use the NAB hub adaptors you sell on my reel-to-reel?
Our NAB adaptors will work with both plastic and metal reels, and fit any 10.5" machine which has reel retainers built into the reel table spindles. Most machines made after 1970 have these; the two common varieties are spring-loaded (Sony, Pioneer and others) and screw-twist (Teac, Akai and others). You're likely already familiar with these if you use the machine in the vertical position with 7" reels; if not, your machine's owner's manual explains how they work. Hub adaptors do NOT allow the use of 10.5" reels on machines which are designed only to utilise 7" reels. Metal NAB reels are quite a bit thinner than plastic ones, and sometimes require spacers placed between the reel table and reel to prevent the tape from rubbing against the edge of the reel. We do not supply spacers; they can easily be created from sheet rubber or the plastic lids found on margarine and cream cheese tubs, and should be the same diameter as the reel tables on your machine. (top)
Warranty
Info and Returns
We accept only
unopened, unused product back for refund;
there is a 20% restocking fee in such cases, and items must be
returned within thirty days of purchase. Most
of the products we sell carry a one year defective exchange or repair warranty
from us. Exceptions are the TC-400G/L, TC-750 and TC-750LC models,
which carry a
limited lifetime defective exchange warranty to the original purchaser.
All AC adaptors (including
the ones supplied with the TC-400/750/750LC models) are warranteed
against failure or defects for sixty days. We stock replacements for
all AC adaptors supplied with the products we sell (see above regarding
plug styles); most adaptor
failures result from power surge or lightning exposure, not from age or
product defect. Batteries (when included) are provided by the
manufacturer as a courtesy and carry no warranty. Our product
warranty covers defects in manufacture and product failure; it does not
cover physical breakage or other abuse (stylus and cartridge buyers
take note; we hand inspect every item before shipment). Many apparent
product defects or failures are often actually hookup or inappropriate
usage issues
which can be resolved simply by emailing
us....
The address for
warranty returns (preferably with original
packaging and all supplied accessories included) is;
Phonopreamps.com
P.O. Box 1356
Westfield, Ma.
01086-1356
P.O. Box 1356
Westfield, Ma.
01086-1356
About Us
Phonopreamps.com
and
its subsidiary companies have been in the retail audio/video sales and
service business for nearly thirty years. Today we
are strictly an online business, and do not offer local product pickup
or a retail location, nor do we do business on the telephone. We're happy to answer your technical questions and product inquiries via email, usually within 24 hours. Contact us any time at info@phonopreamps.com .