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Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:22 pm
by mjbarnes
Apologies for asking about modern playback equipment here but I am sure I have seen such questions in past. I just bought an Audio-Technica turntable, mostly to play my LPs. It has a toggle switch for PHONO or LINE -- phono is to be used if plugging into the phono port of an amplifier, and line if plugging into an auxiliary port. It seems to me the phono setting presumes the adjustment curve for LP will be done by the amplifier. If I was to select phono and plug into the auxiliary port, that should be a straight-line throughput -- more or less correct for old 78s. Am I reasoning correctly here? Advice and suggestions appreciated as always.
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:27 pm
by gramophone-georg
Only thing I could advise is to try it. I would always opt for a setup with a "Mono/ Stereo" switch though. The problem I have found with these old 78s on a modern stereo is that you get surface noise in stereo and the actual sound signal as sort of a center channel. You'd be surprised at how much a mono switch option will calm the noise.
Which cartridges and styli are you using? Are you sure that the toggle switch between 'phono' and 'line' isn't a built in preamp?
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 8:29 pm
by mjbarnes
Thanks. It is exactly a built-in preamp, if switched to the LINE side and plugged into the auxiliary. I have tried it. Trouble with my idea is, sound is very quiet. I only tried it on an LP.
I don't have a 78 cartridge yet. What do you suggest?
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2025 9:52 pm
by Jmcmahan67
I use the Audio-Technica VMN95SP and it works great. It a 3.0 Mil Conical Stylus that you can get on Amazon for $62.
John
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 12:01 am
by drh
I reviewed a cartridge sold for 78s here:
https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/vessel_78cart_e.html
The article includes links to sound and video samples.
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2025 2:35 am
by Orchorsol
mjbarnes wrote: Mon Jun 16, 2025 7:22 pmIf I was to select phono and plug into the auxiliary port, that should be a straight-line throughput -- more or less correct for old 78s. Am I reasoning correctly here?
Not really! Very good advice here:
https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/ab ... cords.html
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:55 pm
by Marc Hildebrant
78 RPM electric recorded records used various values for equalization. The 78 RPM Acoustic records used no EQ.
All LP 33 records used a fixed EQ (RIAA).
For my 78-record playback, I use NO EQ for the initial transfer, then try various values, 250 Hz/500 Hz turnover.
For direct playback, I would use NO Rolloff and 500 Hz turnover (American) and 250 Hz (European).
Marc
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2025 3:39 pm
by AmberolaAndy
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:37 am
by mjbarnes
Thanks to everybody who responded here. I have been enjoying the online TNT magazine.
Re: Electrical playback of 78s
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2025 11:17 pm
by Damfino59
Marc Hildebrant wrote: Wed Jun 18, 2025 6:55 pm
All LP 33 records used a fixed EQ (RIAA).
I don’t think that’s particularly accurate.
I’ve been a devotee of vintage 1950’s mono equipment for some time now. I don’t think RIAA became the standard until 1956. Especially with Decca’s ffrr eq.
I have collection of 10” Lp records like Westminster. Some of these are not mastered with a RIAA curve. And I’ve used the suggested settings on my KAB Souvenir Preamp.
