How to know if you have a phono section...

mcgsxr · « **on:** 14 Sep 2004, 10:18 pm »

Well, it sounds funny I know, but I don't know if this Sugden I own has a phono section or not! I have never owned a turntable (oh boy, nice admitting that around here no doubt...) and am unsure how to check?

It has a Phono input, and those are the only gold RCA's, but I am still not certain.

Here are two shots of the unit, can anyone let me know?

Thanks,

Mark

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djbnh · « **Reply #1 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 10:23 pm »

Looks like that could be a phono input, fer sure! Looks like the RCAs are connected to the board in the picture.

I'm also interested in the purpose of the small switch(?) to the immediate right of the phono RCAs, and wonder if it's an MM/MC switch - just speculation here, as I know nothing about the unit. Good luck in your quest for verifiable info.

robertwb · « **Reply #2 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 11:26 pm »

http://www.sugdenaudio.com/range/a21.htm

it mentions that it is optional to have a phono section many times but I can't imagine they'd install the extra jacks and switch if the actual internal phono parts weren't also there...that'd just increase cost for no reason whatsoever-no company would do that

you could hook a cd player to that input as a test-just be VERY careful when turning the volume up-or better yet buy a TT

mcgsxr · « **Reply #3 on:** 14 Sep 2004, 11:53 pm »

Yeah mine is related to the A21, but is not that one...

I could buy a TT, but I am trying to sell this unit, and want to have a good idea what I am selling, so as not to mislead any prospective buyers...

mark

mcgsxr · « **Reply #4 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 01:53 am »

BTW djbnh, what looks like a switch is actually just a screw in the rear case - er that sounds a bit cheeky no?

Mark

Marbles · « **Reply #5 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 01:56 am »

The fact that you have the phono RCA's doesn't mean you have a RIAA corrected circuit. It could be in case you have a phono pre.

I would contact the manufacturer with the serial # and see what they say.

jswallac · « **Reply #6 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 02:03 am »

The suggestion about hooking up a CDP is a good one, at least it makes sense to my small mind. If it is a phono section, the CDP will be a lot louder hooked up here. Does the input selector on the front have a way to switch between MM and MC. If so you have a better test. Moving coil inputs have more gain, so you can hook up the CDP, then switch between MM and MC and check if it gets louder. Having never done this I can only guess this will work.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #7 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 02:39 am »

Quote from: jswallac

The suggestion about hooking up a CDP is a good one, at least it makes sense to my small mind. If it is a phono section, the CDP will be a lot louder hooked up here. .....

If there IS RIAA equalization (i.e. IF there's a phono card), the CD played through "Phono" would have greater bass and less treble as well as being louder.. As I remember, some people actually USED this configuration in the pre-CD era to give a bass boost to a tape or tuner.

FWIW, my first preamp was a B&K Pro 10 which COULD present the same problem as the Sugden: it was available as either a Pro 10-MC or Pro 10-MM, depending which phono circuits were installed. Though my unit actually IS a 10MM (i.e. moving magnet), it appears from the outside as if it COULD be MC compatible: front panel selector says "Phono MC/Aux" and RCA's on back panel say same thing.

BTW, IF you decide to buy a test TT, I'd suggest a Technics 1200; however buying all the upgrades would seem unneccesary..

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #8 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 02:57 am »

Quote from: Mystery member

Quote from: Tonto Yoder
BTW, IF you decide to buy a test TT, I'd suggest a Technics 1200...

OK Psychicanimal, what did you do with the Amish Indian?????

OK, I was thinking of a 1200 from a pawnshop with a liberal return policy: buy a pair of 1200's in the morning, test out the Sugden's phono input and return the 1200's by afternoon, claiming your DJ gig went awry. Worst case scenario: you have to accept an in-store credit and end up with a nail gun, a tile saw and a subwoofer box.

Actually, someone COULD buy a super-cheapie TT at Goodwill or the like---I got a decent Dual for $2 once, but using a TT with a bad cart/patch cords would be a worse diagnostic tool than nothing at all.

jswallac · « **Reply #9 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 03:22 am »

Not a bad idea just buying a TT and returning. Circuit City sells some cheap ones that include cartridges. They have a no questions asked return policy.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #10 on:** 15 Sep 2004, 05:41 am »

Quote from: mcgsxr

BTW djbnh, what looks like a switch is actually just a screw in the rear case - er that sounds a bit cheeky no?

Mark

Ground from TT goes there. Got a friend with a TT ? If not...

Quote

I would contact the manufacturer with the serial # and see what they say.

....good advice !!

Paul L · « **Reply #11 on:** 16 Sep 2004, 04:11 pm »

The screw that next to the phono input looks like the gounding post is missing.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #12 on:** 16 Sep 2004, 10:13 pm »

Paul L - do you mean the one labelled FE?

Mark

Paul L · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Sep 2004, 02:43 pm »

Yes, that is the one. you can trace to see this screw is connect to a ground or chassis or not. I bet it is.

Another way to check the existence of the phono stage is to trace from the RCA input. If it goes through an addition circuitry before connecting to the selector, then that is the phono stage.

Paul L · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Sep 2004, 02:44 pm »

Yes, that is the one. you can trace to see this screw is connect to a ground or chassis or not. I bet it is.

Another way to check the existence of the phono stage is to trace from the RCA input. If it goes through an addition circuitry before connecting to the selector, then that is the phono stage.

Paul Lam
P.L.C.Lam Consulting Inc.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #15 on:** 18 Sep 2004, 08:43 pm »

That missing nut was found (no, not me!) on my friend's floor - gotta love friends that let their young ones at your amps...

IN any case, the amp is sold to a guy locally, who does not TT anyway, BUT thanks for all the replies, and responses about this - it is great to have a place to turn for help, and receive such good suggestions.

Mark in Canada