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Why did the SubSonic filter disappear from all phono preamps?
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Just fyi, in memoriam of Harvey Lavan Cliburn's passing, I'm playing his recordings that are on the Readers Digest "Selecciones del Readers Digest", the box set, with liner notes in Mexican Spanish.
And, yes, a subsonic filter would be handy right about now.
Still, I'm crankin' it.
:)
Some quality phono stages still have subsonic filters. The Pro-Ject Tube Box springs to mind, with the latest edition it is switchable, while in the original, there was no switch, just a permanently in circuit subsonic filter.
My current phono stage has two options for EQ curves (IEC and RIAA). The IEC curve slowly rolls off the bass, so that it is down 3db at 20hz. This performs a similar function to a SSF, without the switch and circuitry involved. Works quite well for me.
But I do agree, there are not enough phono pre-amps with SSFs built in. It is especially important if you are the type to use flea-powered tube amps. All that wasted power producing warps and rumble could be redirected into music!
Why, why you ask!! The same reason they took out tone controls that can be bypassed, the same reason no phase reversel switch that you need sometimes, the same reason they took out everything to get the best out of your front end - the customer is so stupid he lets them remove parts and sevices and charge more - OPPS, must be in the medical business!!
Sorry guys, had to rub it in but it is very true. Any preamp with a phono section without a subsonic filter is a digrace!! The preamp I use is a rebuilt HK Citation 1 and when customers hear it there jaw hits the foor, probably 20 knobs and switches on it!!
YOU NEED A SUBSONIC FILTER WHEN PLAYING VINYL, IT TAKES THE LOAD OFF YOUR AMPS AND THEY SOUND MUCH CLEANER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HW
Many 'philes, like myself, consider the use of subsonic filters a sonic trade-off, low frequency accuracy & proper instrumental impact vs wasted energy. To my ears, I much prefer no filters.
tb1
I hear ya. My H-K 505 integrated amp is sitting in the garage 'cause it's got a serious case of crackly/intermittent knobs, but it's got selectable turnover frequencies on the tone controls, tone control bypass, SUBSONIC filter, loudness switch,...
I really gotta do something about those knobs and put that puppy back in business!
:)
I wouldn't be without a good subsonic filter, especially since I'm running a sub. I have yet to hear a subsonic filter that has any negative effect on sound quality.
The only thing frequencies below 20 Hz do to the sound is muck it up.
Cheers,
Bob :-)
Harrison Labs makes a inline one .As a matter of fact I might get a pair.
Economics and media.The subsonic filter switch made sense when most people were playing LPs and they wanted to remove the rumble and associated wasted amplifier work. Now that most people are playing CDs and other digital media, the extraneous low frequency issues have been largely eliminated - so why include a filter which, in most cases, people don't need nor care about.
Edits: 02/25/13
Good question. When I asked an audio designer about a non functioning microphone preamp (His product could also be used an MC phono preamp,)he suggested I remove a resistor that cut off everything below 20 Hz. In his design it was only one part. But then again their was no switch. It is possible some designs already have them built in the design.
Adding a switch can further degrade sound. A good friend of my father in the audio business has been working on improving sound in the entire audio chain for years. One of the things he has found the less connections in the audio chain, the better the sound. Everything in his system is hardwired. No RCA or speaker terminals on his equipment. Even his power is coupled directly to the power in the wall (i.e. no outlet.)
"Even his power is coupled directly to the power in the wall (i.e. no outlet.)"
Oy!
I would never do that in a million years. Not only is it very much not to safety code, the guys house is a major fire hazard! I wouldn't do that even if it made a signifcant difference. I'd rather the unlikely tripping of someone on the cord wouldn't break things or create a live wire sticking into the listening room.
It is important, but isn't worth burning for.
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad"
I understand all this except I prefer to unplug my components when it storms...
Code requires a circuit breaker. He probably has a dedicated line with a circuit breaker that can be tripped for storms.
Just a guess!
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