Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems MPMAX 221 with a turntable

Anyone have any experience of using the MPMAX221 with a turntable?

I'd like to hook up my (old) Linn LP12 to a pair of DSP5Ks (no processor) via SPDIF.

I've been looking at the MPMAX 221 and superficially at least, it seems to do the job.

I need to buy a phono amp and am concerned about compatibility between the phono amp and the MPMAX 221 (should that work) - concerns are input/output voltages and the kind of stuff you have to fret about when you start talking vinyl/analogue!

Any/all advice gratefully received...

Zander

TKimages mentioned doing just that in his thread about 5200 placement.

Cheers

George

George,

Yes, I saw that but I'm hopefully looking for some comments on using it...

Zander

Do you have a phono-stage for your MM? or MC? system?
Or deliver your TT allready a line level signal,
what you can use with the 221?

Input levels are standard on the 22, so if your phonostage deliver a line output it fit perfect.

My recommandations are
GSP graham slee products
http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/


Robert

The 562 series can all take the Meridian 515/516/G15/G16 phono stages that are a plug in board. This would give you the step up (which is also adjustable for sensitivity) and ADC that you need as well as room for expansion of your system. Clearly it would also integrate with the Meridian comms system for input switching etc.

Richard

The MPMAX221 will, I believe, deliver a 24/96 feed while the older 562Vs only deliver ?/48 (not sure of the bit depth or what a 562V3 does).

This might matter depending on whether your speakers are 24/96 versions.

None of the 500-processors produce 24/96 from the analogue inputs, only 16/48. So the MPMAX221 is the only Meridian way to do it (and quite good value compared to non-M ADCs).

Yes, I think the MPMAX 221 is a bit of a steal compared to other M kit prices. 24/96 is great and I'm looking forward to hearing how it presents the analogue vinyl 'sound' with DSPs.

I think I'll just get an MPMAX 221 (�325 list ) and make sure the phono stage dealer ensures compatibility. That is my biggest concern at the moment.

Thanks once again for your replies.

Zander

With the MPMAX 221 (and any ADC) you need to ensure that the peak voltage from the phono pre-amp matches the max input voltage of the MPMAX (with a little headroom to avoid clipping distortion). i.e. Ensure that you make as much use of those 24-bits as possible.

Joel,

That's what I'm on about! The MPMAX 221 data sheet says:

Maximum line level input level 2.2V (rms). Input Impedance 20kΩ.

Are these the numbers I need to pay particular attention to?

How are these generally expressed in phono pre-amp terms? Never bought a phono pre-amp before...

So, for example, based on your post, I'd be looking for a phono pre-amp that outputs at 2.2V or less?

Sorry for being dumb.

Zander

Ideally, you'd look for a phono pre-amp that outputs a maximum of exactly 2.2V (or can be adjusted to do so). Remember that the maximum 24-bit digital value will correspond to +2.2V.

Great, thanks. But could you explain this for me?

Zander