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Post by cwmcobra on Aug 24, 2020 7:41:01 GMT -5
I'm considering a couple of phono preamps and am unsure of how important signal to noise ratio is in audible performance. I know that higher S/N is better, but don't quite understand how it affects the audio experience. Does better S/N make the music sound clearer and cleaner? Or does it only come into play in reducing noise from the phono system when there is no vinyl spinning?
I'm looking at S/N specs of 88 dB (EMO SP-1) vs. 96 dB (EMO XPS-1). Can I hear that difference?
Chuck
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 24, 2020 13:10:03 GMT -5
I'm considering a couple of phono preamps and am unsure of how important signal to noise ratio is in audible performance. I know that higher S/N is better, but don't quite understand how it affects the audio experience. Does better S/N make the music sound clearer and cleaner? Or does it only come into play in reducing noise from the phono system when there is no vinyl spinning? I'm looking at S/N specs of 88 dB (EMO SP-1) vs. 96 dB (EMO XPS-1). Can I hear that difference? Chuck I think anything over 80 for a phono preamp is very good. Also given the dynamic range of most vinyl setups is less (or much less), rumble typically in 60’s or 70’s, surface noise, etc, the likelihood you could hear the difference in that S/N is low (they’re both very good). This isn’t to say you might not hear something else between the two, just not that.
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DYohn
Emo VIPs
Posts: 18,365
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Post by DYohn on Aug 24, 2020 13:22:51 GMT -5
S/N is the noise level inherent in the phono preamp and has nothing to do with the TT you may have connected to it. In general higher S/N is better and means quieter electronics, which means less chance of hearing the noise of the circuitry as the level of the signal goes down. Also in general, S/N greater than the dynamic range of the source means the source is the limiting factor, and vinyl is limited to a dynamic range of 70db. So S/N > 70db is what you want for a phono preamp.
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Post by cwmcobra on Aug 24, 2020 17:21:23 GMT -5
Thanks guys. This helps with my decision!
Chuck
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Post by garbulky on Aug 24, 2020 17:49:45 GMT -5
The sp-1 is "supposed" to have the same preamp as xps-1...I think
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Post by garbulky on Aug 24, 2020 17:56:04 GMT -5
Since you have a DC-1, with the SP-1, you can even go with a couple of PA-1s and get a top of the line system in a tiny space. One that you'll have a hard time beating... though looking at your equipment... it looks like you could. You already have the best gear with that PA7-350!
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Post by cwmcobra on Aug 24, 2020 19:01:39 GMT -5
I was thinking the same thing Gar. Although, the SP-1 will likely be located in a different space than the DC-1, it will be nice to have the ability to pair them when I want. And who knows? I might put the turntable in the office where the DC-1 is located instead of in the theater. Time will tell.
I thought, as you did, that the SP-1 and XPS-1 would have the same electronics and specs. And they do, except for the S/N and a very slight difference in THD. I think I'll consider them equivalent in performance and call it a day!
And yes, I'm flush with good amplifiers. I've been collecting them for years as I've delayed the build of my HT, which will have a 9.2.6 or 9.4.6 configuration. My two current subs use external amps, so I need 17 channels for by build and have 31 channels of high quality amplification available. Plus several channels of pro amps not in my signature. I really need to get the theater built and hope to do it over the winter.
In the meantime, I'm taking a detour into the world of vinyl. Curiosity has gotten the better of me!
Cheers!
Chuck
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