The factor ‘Jaap’ (1)
Contents
Our always optimistic editor in chief is not known for his fondness for turntables. Where he immediately ‘turns on’ during a CAT7 SFTP vs fiber test, or during a noise floor measurement of streaming services, vinyl cannot really grab his attention or charm him. That’s why we think it’s a good idea to give him a place in this test. In order not to let his suffering over the vinyl path last too long, we only let him hear the combination that impresses us the most.
Dipswitching
As tight as the front of the R35 is, as complex is the rear. The input for the turntable and the two pairs of outputs (single ended and XLR) are still clear. But then it comes. There are so many variables on a phono element. First of all moving magnet or moving coil. Then there is the possibility to control the gain. A correct gain is important for the headroom, the dynamic range and the space in the music. A lower gain means that there is more room for dynamics, but a too low gain can sound boring again. Too high a gain gives you less space, literally.
Then setting and tuning the right capacitive value. This is for each element and each turntable an extremely precise job where we must pay close attention to the connection values, cable length and type.
And then: listen and try again if it’s not good (enough). We notice a huge difference between the settings, even if they are picofarad values. The manual of the R35 clearly indicates how to do it; of course we had a lot of different turntables to connect. In daily practice it’s one time setting and after that just play.
Primare supplies a voltage ‘sniffer’ as standard with the R35, so you plug it in so that the phase is correct. Very handy!