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Phono Inputs...what can I use them for?

Hey everyone.

Today is the day for stupid questions. Here's mine.

I've got a vintage Sansui AU-717. I love it. It's the first non-crappy piece of audio equipment I've ever owned. But I'm long past my listening to vinyl days, and I've got this great integrated amp with not one, but two phone inputs. What can I use them for? I understand they're a bit different than the AUX input. Something about voltage...

Could I use them to plug something else into? TV? MP3 player? CD/DVD player? What are their limitations?

Thanks!

James
jamesjems
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Nooooo! The phono inputs have WAY more gain than ANY other input. And the RIAA equalization also screws up the sound a lot.
I would say yes only if.. if you can find a 0.02 volt or less source (the usual sources are .25 to 2 volts
rcprince
2,830 posts
 
I would also say no for the same reasons, but would more forcefully say that the RIAA equalization COMPLETELY screws up the sound. You should not use them for anything other than a turntable. You could consider getting back into vinyl, you know!
jamesjems OP
5 posts
 
Well now. I'm glad we're all clear on that point.

Even if I don't understand what any of you just said.
What's "Gain"? What's RIAA equalization? Awwww...It doesn't matter.

Okay, here's another stupid question: Since I'll never use vinyl again, could I take it to a guy that knows component level repair? Could he take the thing apart and turn one of the remaining phono inputs into something useable? Something I could plug a TV or MP3 player into?
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
If you are looking to plug stuff like that in, and don't have a tape player, the tape inputs are just the same as the tuner and aux inputs. If I remember correctly, that amp has two tape inputs. Just be careful not to hook your tv up to the tape output. No good.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
If you really need extra inputs an external box would probably be cheaper and not require any change to the unit. You would destroy most of the resale value by rewiring it.
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