Hi, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable w/SME arm and a Signet cartridge
w/Klipsch
preamp. I would like to record some vinyl but find this setup noisy. I
presently record to a CD recorder (Harm Kard). I'm thinking I need to
upgrade the cartridge and would like to eliminate the preamp. Thanks
for any advice.

"sammy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable w/SME arm and a Signet cartridge
w/Klipsch
preamp. I would like to record some vinyl but find this setup noisy. I
presently record to a CD recorder (Harm Kard). I'm thinking I need to
upgrade the cartridge and would like to eliminate the preamp. Thanks
for any advice.

A preamp is a requirement. You can't eliminate it.

I recently replaced a Signet with an AT microline
type cart and I think it is less noisy.

ScottW

ScottW wrote:
"sammy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable w/SME arm and a Signet cartridge
w/Klipsch
preamp. I would like to record some vinyl but find this setup noisy. I
presently record to a CD recorder (Harm Kard). I'm thinking I need to
upgrade the cartridge and would like to eliminate the preamp. Thanks
for any advice.

A preamp is a requirement. You can't eliminate it.

I recently replaced a Signet with an AT microline
type cart and I think it is less noisy.


I have no idea what a Harm Kard is but it's reasonably safe to assume
it requires line level audio.

The output from a phono cartridge has to be greatly amplified in power
and level. Also, you must do equalization because phono records are
recorded using boost and cut. Most vinyl LPs after 1963 or so are done
using the RIAA curve, a standardized curve.

The best phono preamp stages are DIY affairs in my experience. Norman
Thagard recently designed one in AudioXPress. I have never heard it but
I have it on multiple authority it is outstanding. Someone mentioned
the tube one in the Reiner zur Linde book. It is very good.

If you wish to buy one the old Shure is acceptable. Wouldn't spend
much more money than that. Many high end commercially built ones, are
poor.

sammy wrote:

Hi, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable w/SME arm and a Signet cartridge
w/Klipsch
preamp. I would like to record some vinyl but find this setup noisy. I
presently record to a CD recorder (Harm Kard). I'm thinking I need to
upgrade the cartridge and would like to eliminate the preamp. Thanks
for any advice.

If you need MM try the Goldring 1000 series

sammy wrote:

Hi, I have a Thorens TD 125 turntable w/SME arm and a Signet cartridge
w/Klipsch
preamp. I would like to record some vinyl but find this setup noisy. I
presently record to a CD recorder (Harm Kard). I'm thinking I need to
upgrade the cartridge and would like to eliminate the preamp. Thanks
for any advice.

You *have* to have a preamp to raise the tiny signal from the cartridge to a
usable voltage and also to perform the RIAA equalisation that it needs.

Someone suggested that your cartridge is a MM ( moving magnet ) type. If your
preamp isn't designed for that, then it will sound noisy. A decent but
inexpensive moving magnet cartridge will fix that.

Graham

Eeyore wrote:

Someone suggested that your cartridge is a MM ( moving magnet ) type.

Duh ! I meant moving coil of course.

Graham