[bluntcow]

Hello all:  I've been doing some research into a tube buffer for my turntable.  I have an old turntable with an mm cartridge.  I recently purchased a Yamaha R-N602 receiver amp and it has a phono input with built in preamp.  Everything I see on these say to hook them up in this order.  Turntable, to turntable preamp, to tube buffer to amp.  Since my R-N602 has the preamp on the phono input will this hook up work.  Turntable, to tube buffer, to built in preamp.  Some of the tube buffers/preamps say they can't hook up to a turntable, and I'm not sure if that's because of digital vs analog or they just won't up the signal to use as a preamp. 
           I know if I but one that is a "buffer turntable preamp" I could connect it to another input other than the phono.  Since I have the phono inputs I'd like to use them.  I'm being a bit anal there, but I'd figure I'd ask.  Thank you, Jeff

[richidoo]

Welcome to AudioCircle, bluntcow

Buffer means no voltage gain, only current gain.
The phono cartridge must connect first to phono preamp which expects the very low voltage signal from the cartridge, boost the signal by 40dB (that's a lot!) up to line level, which can drive a preamp or even a power amp if it has a volume control.
So you have to connect the cartridge to the preamp phono input first, then on to the power amp.
And you can't connect anything except a phono cartridge to the phono inputs of your preamp.
The place to insert the tube buffer is between preamp and power amp, but I think you'll prefer how it sounds without the tube buffer.

[Blackmore]

Welcome to AudioCircle

[FullRangeMan]

Welcome Jeff

[Elizabeth]

No, you cannot stick the cartridge on the buffer THEN send it to the phono inside your receiver. It may damage the phono chip (I guarantee the phono in a modern receiver is just a chip) 
Impedance issues galore with your idea.....
And finally a tube buffer is a waste of time for a phono situation. If you could actually explain WHY you want one? I would like to hear it.
The ONLY way you can use it is IF the receiver has preamp out and amp inputs. and THERE you can insert the tube buffer if you just have to have one.
And I use several preamps at one time. all the time. So my complaint is not based on 'least signal path', but on why bother? it is not gonna help enough with anything. If you WANT a more tube like sound, buy a tube phono box. skip the built in phono chip. Plenty of not too expensive tubed phono devices.
Here is Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 Phono Preamplifier - Black $399. a decent little phono box, with tubes.
Without tubes here is Pro-Ject Phono Box E Phonograph Preamplifier (Black) $59 and this will BEAT THE PANTS off your built in phono chip.

[Phil A]

Welcome TO AC!

[Wind Chaser]

Hey Jeff,

Welcome to Audio Circle! Hopefully you find all the right answers to your questions. Audio Circle is all about learning, sharing and helping each other. 

[ArthurDent]

Greetings & Welcome to AC Jeff