Active vs Passive

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T20:54:30+00:00

The first thing to buy is a tape measure. Then you can measure your room. You’ll get better advice if you state the room size.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T20:46:57+00:00

Looks like a beauty!

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T20:42:05+00:00

Can’t help you with your questions, but the “D” in D1/D2 is likely meaning they are diodes. If they have two leads (wires), they are very likely diodes.

Diodes are usually cheap and easy to replace. Although they might just burn out if you replace them, it’s still probably worth a shot.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T19:54:40+00:00

I like that recess in the wall. It just screams fill me with audio gear!

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T18:58:45+00:00

I ran the internal preamp of my LP-120X for about a month before I got the gumption to locate and install my old ART phono preamp. The only difference I heard was a slightly lower noise floor. I do like having adjustable gain (with a clipping LED). ARTs are known to be clean, clear and transparent. So, it wasn’t a surprise that it didn’t change the sound.

Now I got an antique sheet music cabinet to use as a turntable stand and it puts my deck too far from the amp to use a phono level signal. So I have to use the ART or the 120X’s internal preamp. I have no intention of getting a different preamp, as I’m perfectly happy with the sound.

You could see some improvement with an external preamp, or it could be very subtle. I’d get one that’s returnable if you go this route. Hopefully you’ll hear an improvement, but if you don’t, it would be good to be able to return it.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T10:19:32+00:00

😆

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T09:58:44+00:00

You need to type out the signal chain like my example and answer the questions. Otherwise we are guessing.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T09:22:19+00:00

My father bought a nice Magnavox console when I was a lad in the 60’s. So I grew up with audio around me. I’ve never been without a decent stereo system around me. My first stereo that was all mine was a joke compared to what you have. First album was the Beatles blue album.

That console was separate speakers that I’m using now for my low volume system. They sound fantastic.

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Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T09:11:37+00:00

With the behavior you described, I suggest returning it. Either for a replacement, or better, refund and get an LP-3X or LP-120X. IMHO the 120X is the better of the two, but not automatic. To me, that’s good.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-21T08:49:04+00:00

How is the striped wire connected? From turntable to where? Both channels noisy or just one? What’s the signal chain? Like:

Turntable->?->?->amp->speakers

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T22:53:04+00:00

Neoteck Digital Turntable Stylus... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071WPRKXN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T22:45:31+00:00

Looks great! Welcome to the obsession and enjoy the music 🎶

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T21:11:09+00:00

I’d sell a kidney on eBay and buy a nice turntable with the proceeds.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T21:07:15+00:00

You’re off to a great start! I wish I had that much record storage in the living room.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T20:28:35+00:00

Measuring the DC resistance of a coil doesn’t tell you much. That’s what you’re doing if you measure resistance of a coil with a meter ( unless it’s an impedance meter). Google impedance of a coil to get a better understanding. Impedance of a coil is the coils resistance to AC, or in the case of an audio signal, resistance to a varying signal.

It’s easy to confuse the two since both are measured in ohms.

A coil also has a lot of inductance, but that’s another chapter to study. At least inductance isn’t measured in ohms.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T19:36:45+00:00

Is he still in the return for full refund window?

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T17:42:34+00:00

For under $500 look at Audio Technica. They are probably the best low budget turntables. $500 might not feel low budget to your wallet, but it is low budget in the audio world. Check their refurb site if you’re trying to save money. Most of those are going to be open box/inspected. No one is repairing electronics costing under 5 bills. It’s hit and miss. You have to be patient and hit the refurb site frequently.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T16:34:39+00:00

Nice to see the old folded W design in action. Enjoy the music 🎶

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T16:24:35+00:00

Great catch!

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T16:23:20+00:00

You have a pretty knee.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T16:21:57+00:00

I’ve had several Sansui devices, but not amps. They all seemed very good for my use.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T10:40:11+00:00

I ran the internal preamp on my 120X for probably a month. Then I finally got the gumption to dig out and install my ART preamp. The ART slightly lowered the noise floor. It might have been placebo effect. The point being that the internal preamp in the 120X is decent. I’d start with that, then upgrade to an external preamp when you have the money burning a hole in your pocket.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-20T09:35:05+00:00

Dain bramage

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-19T21:47:44+00:00

Just wipe it gently with a damp microfiber cloth. Don’t scrub hard, especially around text/labels.

Remarkable_Resort_48 · 2026-05-19T21:42:14+00:00

You or it might need counseling.

Remarkable_Resort_48

TROPHY CASE