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Topic: Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer (Read 7956 times) previous topic - next topic
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Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

I have a Sony PS-J10 turntable with internal RIAA curve normalizer. When that normalizer is on, I can connect the record player to a standard line input and it will sound - well normalized.

The problem is though, it seems it's pretty heavy on the trebles, so I use the equalizer on my mixer to tweak that. Now, would it make sense, to build my own RIAA normalizer / phono pre-amp? Or would I most probaly not gain anything and maybe I actually should stick with the internal one?

Any suggestions?

Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

Reply #1
Are there specs? This is not new technology and not something exceedingly difficult to get right. Not providing adequate EQ is probably not a common fault for phono preamps.

Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

Reply #2
Mmm... the RIAA curve precisely reduces the highs and boosts the lows. Do you mean that the curve reduces the highs too much? Maybe that's how the LP is recorded.

About making your own preamp, i wouldn't go that route. First locate another mixer table or integrated amplifier that has phono input and doublecheck if it is really that different from what you get with the setting on.

Edit: Found the manual. It doesn't say much about the EQ it does (why would it be different than RIAA?):

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/PSJ10.PDF

"Connect the red plug into the right-channel phono in jack ® and the white plug to the left channel phono-in jack (L) on the amplifier.
If your amplifier does not have phono in jacks, connect the plugs to the aux in o line in jacks.

Set EQ on/off on the bottom panel according to the amplifier connetion as follows:
For connection to  Set EQ
-------------------- -------
phono in jacks    off
aux/line in jacks  on"


 

Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

Reply #3
What are your plans for your turntable?    Play some old records?  Listen to new records?  Digitize some old records? 

I agree with [JAZ].  Building your own preamp is too much trouble for this experiment.  And to do "right", it would be best if you test your design...  And if you have the equipment and knowledge to test your own design you can probably test the preamp built-into your turntable.


You can buy a phono preamp for about $20 USD.  You are not gong to get the "best" for that price, but it would give you something to compare to.  (And, it might perfectly adequate...  The components to build a good phono preamp are not terribly expenisve.)

The phono cartridge usually has more frequency response variation than the preamp.    But I'm not sure I'd recommend upgrading the cartridge unless you wanted to upgrade the turntable too.   

You can get a Test Record to test your cartridge and preamp together.  But personally I wouldn't bother.  I gave-up the loosing battle of trying to perfect analog sound when I got my 1st CD player!   

Quote
The problem is though, it seems it's pretty heavy on the trebles,
You mean there is too much treble?  That's unusual, unless you have tracking distortion which can emphasize (and distort) "S" sounds.  If you think that might be your problem, try increasing the tracking force (if your tonearm has an adjustment....  And stay within the cartridge specs, if you have specs for tracking force0. 

Records vary a lot!  I'd say most older records made before the late 1970's (before the disco era) were a bit on the "dull" side (not much treble).  At least with pop & rock records...  In general, it seems that more care went into classical & jazz recordings.    Things got a better toward the end of the vinyl era, but vinyl was never as consistant as CD. 

I'd say just use your your bass/treble controls or graphic equalizer if you have one, and adjust for what sounds good to you.     If you digitizing old records, use audio editing software (equalizer effect) to adjust the frequency balance.

Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

Reply #4
Well, building a phono pre-amp is more or less a thing I could do in an hour in my basement. In fact I've build four in the time of my first post and this one here. The last one turned out to be the best one. I've sold the other ones. Now, they sound a bit different (better?) than the internal one of the turntable, but not actually hugely different.

A friend of mine suggested I get a multimode equalizer, with at least 24 adjustable frequencies. Now, I don't own that kinda thing, but I know where I can borrow one for a while. The idea is to see what settings sound best and then see if it is just my illusion, or if it really doesn't sound too good.

And this Test Record... I'm not gonna pay 40 USD for a record with no music on it. I have this one turntable, that I found in my basement, so I got it for free. I don't think it makes sense investing in a test record for a turntable that has basically zero value...

Sony PS-J10 internal RIAA normalizer

Reply #5
You could do the RIAA in software if you're willing to route the signal through your PC/lappy.

I have my own plug-ins/software for this task but, as those are not online ATM, here's an alternative:


http://www.kvraudio.com/product/riaa_by_vacuumsound


jiitee