[mosfet_331]

Hi I am a old music lover, but new to the vintage audio community. In my twenties I was big into 2 channel stereo systems, but really only a novice on a budget. I had a few component stereos and enjoyed them played loud. but as kids came along, I eventually let go of the hobby. In my 60s now I still have the desire to get back to that era and experience those moments again. Last year I purchased a vintage component system that I want to get up and running. its bit more of a system than I had in the past, consisting primarily adcom brand components, with a pair of large klipsch speakers. I bought it as a basket case, and using what knowledge I retained from my past, was able to connect it up to listen to it. My problem is, there are a couple components I never had before and don't know how to properly connect them. And I also ended up with lots of connection RCA type left over. The system works, but like I say, I am not sure it is wired up properly. I was able to download PDF manuals, they are some help but a little vague in technical instruction, especially for a non pro like myself. Is there anyplace in the st.Louis area that I can take the manuals to and get professional instruction as to how to properly connect each component?

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome Mosfet_331
You dont need professional instruction or a tech person to connect some audio equips, its plain simple.
If your CD/DVD player or PC have volume control you dont need preamp, so connect it direct to the power amp and run music.

You can get owner manual or even service manuals at internet, google for it as adcom 5800 owner manual or adcom 5800 service manual, some sites even charge money for it.

And I also ended up with lots of connection RCA type left over.
These rca connections left over means waste of money hence nobody use it, usually audiophiles have only 1 source component.
Goodluck.

[Phil A]

Welcome to AC!  What models are presenting the problems?

[Guy 13]

A warm welcome to AudioCircle Mr. Mosfet_331

Guy 13

[Brad]

Welcome!

I'm sure one of our St. Louis members might be willing to drop by and check things for you, if you offer a listening session and possibly a beverage. 

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Mosfet_331     As FRM says, the 'professionals' you may need are here, and several are in your area. Check out the GAS Circle Gateway Audio Society . No doubt Blackmore, Bob In St. Louis, or one of the other locals can provide assistance as needed.

[Blackmore]

Be glad to help out. Contact any of us through the GAS circle or pm and we will get it up and running for you. Welcome to Audio Circle.

[mosfet_331]

Hello, and thanks!
the components I have are as follows:
Adcom GFA 5500, GDA 600, ACE 515, GDC 700, Anthem TLP1, and Audio Technica LP120

[Blackmore]

Post a few more times on Audio Circle and you'll be able to use "personal messages" when you click on a member's name.  We can figure out a good time to get together and double check everything.  Looking forward to hearing all your gear.

Mark

[Phil A]

Hello, and thanks!
the components I have are as follows:
Adcom GFA 5500, GDA 600, ACE 515, GDC 700, Anthem TLP1, and Audio Technica LP120

OK - so you have an Adcom amp, the Adcom DAC, Adcom power strip, Adcom CD player, Anthem preamp and a turntable.

Your preamp from what I can tell has no phono preamp so you need one of those to listen to your turntable.  The full range audio output jacks on the preamp need to be connected to the amp inputs.  The digital output of your CD player should be connected to the DAC.  The analog outputs of the DAC need to be connected to one of line level inputs of the preamp (e.g. CD).

[srb]

Your preamp from what I can tell has no phono preamp so you need one of those to listen to your turntable.

The Audio Technica AT-LP120 has a built-in internal analog phono preamp as well as a switch to select between line output or phono output if you want to use an external phono preamp.  Unless there is a non-USB version, it also contains a USB interface that can playback and digitize recordings.

Steve

[Doublej]

The turntable has a built in phono preamp which can be enable by setting the switch to LINE to use it. So set the switch to LINE and use an RCA cable to connect the turntable to one of the analog inputs on the preamp such as DVD.

The preamp should be plugged into the unswitched outlet of the ACE. The two power cords for the ACE should be plugged into the wall. The CD player, DAC and turntable should be plugged into accessories inputs of the ACE. The amplifier power cord goes into one of the amplifier receptacles on the ACE. (It likely has two amplifier receptacles for monoblock support.)

Plug the digital output of the CD player into the coaxial input of the GDA600 and then plug the analog output of the GDA600 into the CD input on the preamp.

Yes the preamp has a ton of extra RCA inputs because it has built in support (and filters) for a subwoofer, a tape deck, and a second zone. Those are not used.

 

P.S. you need a spell checker too!

[mosfet_331]

Thanks to all for the valuable advice and direction to my inquiry. I plan to pick up some good quality RCA cords and reconnect the system per the instruction and guidance you all have provided. any suggestions on the RCA cord brands out there today? My speaker cables are older monster brand that are the heavy weight copper ones, so I plan to keep them. thanks again to all for your support and advice, it is certainly appreciated!!!

[Doublej]

I'd start with premium monoprice cables and a 14 gauge power cord from them for the amplifier if you don't already have one. It will likely run you less than $30 for everything you need. Then you can swap in more expensive cables and see if they are worth the money to you.