How come ...

[lionkingcmsl]

99% of the new stereo receivers/amps do not have phono inputs?

Yes, I know that the phonograph is going the way of the 8-track tape, but there are still a lot of people, like me, that have extensive record collections. :=/

I am looking for a new reciever/amp, to replace the one I burned out by leaving on all the time, and out of over 25 units that I looked at on line, only 2 had phono inputs, and they were in the $199 range. :=/

Even the few high end units I checked out, not that I can afford them, did not have the phono inputs.

I figure with all those fancy options they could at least give you phono inputs, for the true audiophile that still has his LP collection.

Maybe I should just take my unit back to Radio Shack and see if it can be repaired. It's not a bad unit. I probably blew the amp transistors out by leaving it on. :={

If I had the schematics for it, I would try to repair it myself. :=3


Of course if anyone has an old stereo reciever/amp with at least 5 inputs laying about, unused .... :=3

Comments

[sporklord.livejournal.com]

Have you given any thought to purchasing a phono adapter? That could help you widen your options.

[lowen-kind.livejournal.com]

Ok, this may sound like a stupid question, but what do you mean by a phono adapter?

Do you mean an adapter that changes the physical connector from the phonograph, or a device that actually converts the analog signal to digital (also know as an A/D converter)?

Actually, my turntable is a Sony Linear tracking unit and I believe it is digitally capable now. I just have to check it.

[sporklord.livejournal.com]

I don't know a whole lot about audio, but I'd assume you'd need an A/D converter. The current amp my family has (and the one we've had since I was born) has nothing BUT phono jacks. I know that when I'm using video, though, I need an RF modulator to go from phono to coaxial cable. For going to stereo though, I don't know. Perhaps you should consult with someone more knowledgable than me (you know, someone who works at Radio Shack.)

[torakiyoshi.livejournal.com]

That is odd indeed, especially since hip-hop and house music are reviving the use of LP records. And Rap still has MCs because of their "skilz" on the turntable...

With new demand, there should be room for lots of new tables.

-=TK

[lowen-kind.livejournal.com]

TK,

The "hip-hoppers" at gigs use mixing panels, or boards, that still have phono inputs on them. they the run that signal through a equalizer and finally to a seperate amp.

I don't see mixing boards loosing phono plugs for a long time, because many a DJ, including my friend Tony, still have a large record collection.

I guess they feel that the average home user has gotten rid of their records and turntable. :=/

[skipai.livejournal.com]

You think that's bad. Just wait until they start to get rid of CD/DVD's and replace them with some other digital medium. You know the drill. Something that isn't easily copyable etc :)

I have nothing against LP's though but I do prefer CD's to LP's. I know LP's have better sound? Well, it sounds richer anyways but I rather have something that doesn't require good sight to change a needle if said needle broke. :)

Mind you, I do miss using the twin decks back at my old school during disco's. But then you can get twin CD decks now anyways.

Brings up a interesting question though. Would there be such a problem in musical piracy if music companies kept with LP's and didn't go to CD?

I doubt it as eventually everyone would find a way to rip LP's to MP3 anyways.

[skipai.livejournal.com]

I do but it uses 50hz/230volts and you never be able to use it. All that is wrong with it is a fallen off volume knob. Glue will fix that though :)

It's a nice old Sony TA-F300 amp. Even has the earth connector for the LP player :)

[sci.livejournal.com]

Well, my answer as normal is find a second-hand or junked one.
As you said, records are kinda dying off in the general public, ergo, people will be throwing away working units and record collections as they "upgrade". Bet you find someone chucking one away within a mile of your house.

[lowen-kind.livejournal.com]

Sci, this is off topic, but can you e-mail me your current phone number?

I beleive the one I have is out of date.

[skipai.livejournal.com]

Well, you can buy a record deck for about £49.99 now. Not bad really. I know that there are amps being sold here that still have the phono connection available. Must get to Richer Sounds again :) Cheapest amp I have seen there without radio though is about £50. I think with radio tuner built in you're looking at about £100-150 and upwards.

Also I still think HMV still sells LP's anyways, there at the back of the store in my town but they still sell them. Usually DJ's buy them etc.

Everyone says that things die out anyways. But that's nonsense as look at what they have been saying has been killed off.

1. Compact Cassette - Still in use today, it's not exactly dying is it? ;)
2. VHS - Still very much alive, even though DVD is making a lot of headway.
3. Floppy Disk - Come on, I have been hearing that the floppy has died since 1995/6? It's still with us and floppies are still being made to be sold. :) I could see it still here for a while yet.

It's just companies stating that something is dead just to get others to buy the new thing on the block. If it works and you like it, still use it.

Mind you, I am expecting a new video format out eventually to force everyone to rebuy the films again that they did when they went from VHS/LD to DVD but to blue laser DVD :)

Gotta keep that money rolling in you know ;)

[torakiyoshi.livejournal.com]

Utterly despicable, that's what I call it.

-=TK, whose parents bought a new Sony system because he ruined the old phonograph.