• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Are the TCC phono preamps any good?

jamset

jamset

Active Member
Does anyone have any experience with these? (TC-760LC)

The reason I’m asking is because I’m planning to get a DENON DL 103 MC cartridge and my amplifier does not have a MC phono stage. I plan to use it with a TECHNICS SL 1200 MK2 with stock arm.

Or is it better to get a MM cartridge?
 

Attachments

  • 617yVBJrx5L__AA1292_.jpg
    617yVBJrx5L__AA1292_.jpg
    46.8 KB · Views: 51
Register to hide this ad
I've had one for 2yrs and use it off and on, mainly for testing TTs.

When I do use it for serious listening it preforms well. It really sounds best when powered on for several days. IMO

Recently I made a post about it HERE
 
I have the TCC TC-750 mm phono stage and realize it's not the TC-760 with added MC capability but FWIW it sounds nice, probably better than many built in phono stages. I believe the Musical Fidelity V-LPS mm and mc phono stage currently selling on Amazon for not much more than TC-760 will reveal more of what the DENON DL 103 is capable of.

Dave/ChairSpud
 
For a low-output moving coil, you'd really want something with some resistance loading options. Any of the entry-level phono preamps would probably be a temporary solution at best for a low-output moving coil. Although, maybe with a mod or two...

I picked up the moving-magnet only TC-750 a little while ago. It sounded horrible with my Audio Technica AT-15SA cartridge out of the box. I had to pull the 220pF loading capacitors and replace them with 100pF. After that, it's sounding pretty darn good, probably a little more open sounding than my ART DJ II which I also like very much. Still trying to decide which one I like better.

Sound sample...


http://www.4shared.com/file/eagQV8S_/TC-750_vs_ART.html

mp3 for people with dial-up... http://www.4shared.com/file/9_pc47YX/TC-750_vs_ART_mp3.html
 
Last edited:
I'd suggest that you read HypnoToad's thread about building a phonoclone 3 phono preamp for an MC cart.

Lots of good info there.

.
 
I have a TC-750. It does notably better than the on board preamp in my receiver. But my ClearAudio Nano is on a whole other level of existence. Which is to be expected since the price tags are on completely different levels of existence.

Can't tell you about the the 760 or how it would perform with a LOMC. But for $50, the 750 is decent enough. Definitely a level entry choice but still better than most modern receiver built in preamps.

If the 760 is all you can afford, then it does not matter. Something is better than nothing. But you definitely will want to save up for better options down the road.
 
G'day all, I'm not 100% sure about this, but I suspect that the TCC phono stages may be entirely based on discrete transistor circuitry.

If that is so, then perhaps upgraded general performance may be possible by the use of better transistors in various parts of the circuit. :scratch2: Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
I bought a TC750LC from an Aker...great deal too. I can't tell the difference between my Yamaha CR-1040 phono stage and the TC. The TC seemed to get good reviews online which helped with my decision to buy it.
 
catman said:
G'day all, I'm not 100% sure about this, but I suspect that the TCC phono stages may be entirely based on discrete transistor circuitry.

If that is so, then perhaps upgraded general performance may be possible by the use of better transistors in various parts of the circuit. :scratch2: Regards, Felix aka catman.
Click to expand...

Indeed, it is a discrete design. The 2SC1815s are supposed
to be pretty good.

http://picasaweb.google.com/115625650536825071322/Tc750

A view of the circuit board -

TCC-TC750-PCB.png


Schematic here -

http://beavishifi.com/articles/phono-preamps/
 
G'day mate, thanks for that as that's very interesting. The standard of construction seems very good with good quality passive components.

Re the transistors, yes the 2SC1815 is a respectable transistor but the BC549/BC550 would be better as their noise figure is appreciably lower (4 db compared to 10 db, max.)

Their lead pinouts are different as well so the legs would need to be crossed over and/or sleeved, but I have done that previously with other gear with no problems. The 220 pf input capacitors may contribute excessive cartridge capacitance loading and it might be advantageous to remove them. I think that there is a lot of 'tweak potential' with that design. :yes: Very interesting indeed. Regards, Felix aka catman.
 
Last edited:
Catman, these do seem to have a lot of tweak potential.
It appears there are two different versions - the one on the picasa page
and the BeavisHi version are rather different boards, though
both are discrete 2SC1815 designs.
 
is it possible to connect the phono preamp directly to an amplifier or does it still need to be connected to the preamp before the amp? (sorry if it is kind of a dumb question)
 
jamset said:
is it possible to connect the phono preamp directly to an amplifier or does it still need to be connected to the preamp before the amp? (sorry if it is kind of a dumb question)
Click to expand...

Fair question, it doesn't necessarily need a preamp after it, particularly if you are talking about the TCC760LC. You can use it's volume control to attenuate. I have one of these and used it for a year until I got my Hypnotoad hot-rodded CA640P. It does sound pretty good with LOMC's as long as the cartridge in question is happy with 20 ohm or 100 ohm loading and 58db gain.
 
Hello, I was reading this thread because I recently purchased one. I am also interested in the possibility of upgrading the components of this preamp. If any one has ideas on what to upgrade it would be greatly appreciated.

:music:
 
Based on the specs, it's quite good, and is excellent value for money - you'd have to pay several hundred dollars more to get similar performance from a name brand, and even more for a snob brand. I could possibly build one for less money, but if I was selling them, I'd probably ask for more - I'm not really sure, as someone who has studied both electronics and finance, how they can do it for the money and make much of a profit!:confused:

jamset said:
is it possible to connect the phono preamp directly to an amplifier or does it still need to be connected to the preamp before the amp? (sorry if it is kind of a dumb question)
Click to expand...

No, it's not a dumb question. It may be possible to plug it straight into a power amp (it does have an ouput level control, and may have enough gain), but ideally, it shoiuld be plugged into a line level input on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier. Try it out and see.
 
Does anyone have any idea what kind of power draw the TCC 760LC has? I can't find any specs on it. I've been running mine on two 6V lantern batteries wired in series. I found a rough calculation that the average 6V lantern battery is rated at about 11aH. So I'd like to calculate approximately how long the batteries would last and figure out at what regular interval I should be replacing the relatively inexpensive batteries.

The preamp, I've found, will continue to work well after the voltage has dropped significantly from 12V, but doesn't sound as good. Therefore, I'd rather be safe than sorry.


I've also read part of the Hypno-Toad thread and am wondering:

- Can a girl who has 'ok' soldering skills but doesn't know diddly about circuits assemble such a thing?, and
- Does that power supply really require 4 batteries?
 
If you have a multimeter you could just measure it yourself. Set the meter to read about 200mA max and put it in series with the batteries. My guess is that the current drain will be somewhere between about 20mA and 80mA. Not very much, really.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom