TCC TC-754 RIAA Phono Preamp With Three Switchable Aux Inputs and Variable Output Level
- RIAA freq response 20hz-20,000hz +/- 0.5dB, S/N ratio 85dB
- source indicator LEDs; power-off setting retention
- 12 volt DC operation; will work anywhere in the world
- ground wire terminal; power indicator and switch
- includes AC adaptor, RCA cable and miniplug adaptor
Product Description
Our flagship model combines exceptional phono preamp performance with three additional aux level audio inputs, then adds an variable output level control. Soft-touch switches control power on/off and source selection. While off, the TC-754 even remembers what source was last selected and reselects it when powered back up. The output level control allows connection to a power amp either directly or through an equalizer; or it can simply be used to fine tune the audio level sent to your computer sound card or receiver. Spectacular RIAA equalization accuracy and a S/N ratio of 85dB make the TC-754 our best performing phono preamp; its additional features are extra icing on the cake! Now available in either BLACK ofr SILVER finish.
TCC TC-754 RIAA Phono Preamp With Three Switchable Aux Inputs and Variable Output Level
Reviving your LP collection may be simple or complex but it doesn’t have to be expensive
If you are thinking of dusting off your turntable and listening to those old vinyl records, you will be in good company.
Thanks to hip-hop and DJs, vinyl records are the in-thing. From 2007 to 2008, vinyl LP production increased from 1 million to 1.88 units in the US.
I only wanted to listen to some old LPs when I dug out my Dual 505 turntable this spring. The 20 year old model had not been used for over decade but it worked. I ordered a new stylus on the Internet for $75.
About the time I got used to getting up every 25 minutes to flip the disk, my 20 year old receiver developed a ground loop hum in the left channel. No one would fix it because the new ones are so cheap.
New receivers under $500 rarely have phono inputs. Magnetic cartridges have extremely low output so a preamplifier is needed. The preamp must follow RIAA equalization to make the music sound the way it was recorded.
After a couple of months of research, I discovered the TEC-754 preamp and RIAA eq on Amazon. The reviews looked good and the price was $78. There were cheaper ones for $30 and $45 that seemed OK but I bought the one that had the lowest noise.
Amazingly, Amazon wouldn’t ship that item to Canada so I bought it from the same vendor on eBay.ca for $78.
It came in a week and installed in 30 minutes. I moved the turntable to the TV room where there is a 5.1 surround system (see below). The old Pioneer receiver is going in the trash on Tuesday after 20 years of great service.
Was it worth $150 ?
You bet. The music opens up on vinyl. You can hear the instruments more distinctly and bass is much more powerful and distinct. I also get to hear the hundreds of LPs that have been collected over the decades without buying the CDs.
Would it be worth the thousand of dollars some people spend on hi-end vinyl stereo systems? Probably not in my estimation.
Some of the improved sound may be from the sound treatment that is underway in Katzass Studios. We got a modest number of bass traps and mid to high frequency panels from Real Traps for the studio that are partially installed.
When the double doors to the studio are open, they make a big difference in bass definition. Instead of thump thump, you can hear the kick drum and the notes played by the bassist in detail.
This week has had lots of great moments listening to vinyl. Right now I have Bob Dylan’s latest album on the turntable with “Beyond Here Lies Nothing.” Sounds good.
This weekend I’ll write up a review of The Bootleg Series Volume 5 – Rolling Thunder Review which I found in one of my LP boxes. It demonstrates the strengths and limitations of vinyl.
Check out the long article in Wikipedia if you want to know more about vinyl.
Surround system
To hear better music you need a better system. Mine is not new but it works great.
Receiver – Pioneer VSX 1015TX
Front speakers – Mirage 750s 3-way
Sub woofer – Velodyne ULD-15 – real old
Rating: 4 / 5
I bought this wonderful gadget 6 month ago, I use it for my Beogram 2400 and incoming from computer, set top box and big screen to my Beosound from there to my 4 B and O speakers, the sound from my turntable is top and there is no “hum” (remember the ground/chassis wire)the output potentiometer is a good extra to trim the level from the turntable to same level as the other devices. I’ve had it on since I bought it and during this time I have had brown outs, blackout outs and overload, this gadget just keep on running. 85 volts no problem, 135 volts no problem.
The sound from the turntable is better than some other more expensive devices I have had, the sound from other sources depend on the sources, but for my ears, what comes in comes out as it comes in.
One little thing, the leds are a bit on the bright side.
Rating: 5 / 5
works great, especially with a computer system, but even if you need some more inputs for your big rig. Sounds fine, no extraneous noise, and works as advertised.
Rating: 5 / 5
This product has far exceeded my expectations! I bought this because I thought I could not go wrong with this price since I had just purchased new tube amps and I was using my old receiver as a pre-amp. However, I thought the sound from my SACD player was 10 times better if plugged directly into my new amps and thus this started my search for a passive pre-amp. Amazingly, the TCC TC-754 is totally quiet. I can perceive no difference in sound compared to having my components plugged directly into my amp versus being routed through this pre-amp. Although technically there is 20 dB of boost through the line outs, it does not appear to change or alter the signal to my ears. The TNT audio review was extremely helpful as it recommended a power supply upgrade. This upgrade greatly improved the TCC’s phono pre-amp capabilities in my system, it really (to borrow an audiophile term) created a much larger sound stage. The phono stage is also pretty quiet but I can hear a slight hiss with the volume turned way up, but by comparison, I hear nothing at all with components turned off from the line outs when the volume is turned all the way up. The phono stage is for moving magnet cartridges only and it matched or slightly surpassed my 1990 Sansui’s AV receiver’s built in phono stage. One other thing that is important in evaluating audiophile gear, the burn-in or break-in period, I personally don’t rationally understand this, but after listening to music through this pre-amp the sound seemed to be further mellowed, improved and warmed after about 50 hours of use. The TNT reviewer was indeed accurate in reporting this pre-amps closest competition would cost several times the TCC price. If your audio system matches well with passive pre-amp or sounds awesome with just the cd player plugged directly into the amplifier then I would highly recommend this little pre-amp! Another TNT audio reviewer’s noted that his ~ $10,000 priced amps did not sound good at all with the TC-754. But that particular description reminded me of the same critiques that I have read about passive pre-amps as a class’ sound with amps that need the higher gain and the other nuances of active pre-amps, but I am not an expert and I am only guessing. The TC-754 is not equipped with remote control, loudness, balance or tone settings. Instead it is product of elegant simplicity that has met my audio hobby desires perfectly!
Rating: 5 / 5