Just got a turntable: Questions

KEV1N

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2000
2,932
1
0
I just got a turntable as a gift. Uh, but I'm a dumbass.

It's a Technics SL-8200.

1. Do you need an amplifier? I couldn't hear anything when I directly plugged speakers into the RCA outputs in the back (The only outputs).
2. What's the round knob next to the moving arm do?
 

chiwawa626

Lifer
Aug 15, 2000
12,013
0
0
1. Yes, most turntables are not preamped
2. Most probably the Anti-Skate....only mess with it if ur turntable is skipping.
 

Nocturnal

Lifer
Jan 8, 2002
18,927
0
76
are you sure its a 8200? not a 1200? i just searched google and it didnt show anything related to a technics sl-8200.

what are you planning on using this for?
 

normajean

Senior member
Apr 22, 2001
593
0
0
I heard turnatables can read the audio from laserdiscs. :p

seriuosly I have a couple 1200's which are great fun, I think you'll find more info from a manual...which I'm sure is somewhere in googleland.
 

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
19,721
1
0
doesnt really matter. i got some kenwood 100w/side driving mine.

just use whatever is driving your cd player or whatnot.
 

Squisher

Lifer
Aug 17, 2000
21,207
66
91
You need a pre-amp that has inputs for a turntable. All do not. However if you do get a pre-amp without a turntable input you can buy a stepup amp for around $100, like the NAD PP-1.
 

MazerRackham

Diamond Member
Apr 4, 2002
6,572
0
0
1. Yes, you need an amp when a Phono input (tape/cd/dvd/vcr inputs won't work). Make sure it has a real Phono in
2. That knob is probably fine tuning of 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM.
 

chiwawa626

Lifer
Aug 15, 2000
12,013
0
0
Well for an amp?...hmm if u dont already have a reciver u can always buy a cheapo dj mixer like a 39 dollar bluedog or something that will do the work...but then again quality....yah and are u sure its not a a technics sl-1200??
 

Harvey

Administrator<br>Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
35,052
30
86
On most turntables, the RCA outputs are connected directly to the phono cartridge in the tone arm. The output from most cartridges is very low -- around 5 mV for a moving magnet cartridge and less from a moving coil type.

You need an RIAA equalized phono preamp to amplify that to nominal line level, around 300 mV. That is what you will find in the Phono input of most stereos. The output impedance of most cartridges is also high enough that you should keep your cables pretty short (less than three feet).

 

C'DaleRider

Guest
Jan 13, 2000
3,048
0
0
The turntable, as previously mentioned, needs either a receiver or integrated or pre-amp, for separates, with a phono input.....no other input will work correctly.

The knob is an anti-skate knob. The stylus installed on the tonearm has a proper anti-skate setting. Most take .5-1 gram of anti-skate.
 

KEV1N

Platinum Member
Jan 15, 2000
2,932
1
0
Thanks guys, I just went for this (cheap) amp from ebay:

Ebay

It looks like it has phono outputs and is Technics too.

Sorry guys, I'm blind. It's a Technics SL-B200. , not 8200.

It looks like I'm putting together a cheap, impromptu home stereo (I don't have one at this point.) Maybe I can hook this up to my computer too. Now that I have your attention, can I get some suggestions on what speakers to put with these?