Welcome mule nut!

In general a turntable's ground wire is connected to the phono preamp . . . .

More than just grounding, the turntable needs another component between itself and the amp.

You will need a phono preamp for the turntable to be used. A turntable puts out a very weak signal with a special EQ that needs to be amplified and re-EQ'd (in reverse) before being sent to the amplifier. In this modern age this is most often accomplished in a phono preamplifier. Decware makes one called the ZP3 which is an excellent, okay a fantastic phono preamp. In most cases the turntable is grounded to the phono preamp.

The Zen amp itself does not have a built in phono preamp so one must be used between it and the turntable.

Hey Gregg,

Well yes, the Rachel does sort of have a preamp section in it, but it doesn't have a PHONO preamp within. That is a certain circuit necessary to handle the signal from the phono cartridge and convert it to a "line level" signal such as that from a tape deck, cd player, tuner, etc.

So even with the Rachel you would need a phono preamp, and unfortunately (this would be a nice addition to the line but so far not available) there is not a Decware integrated with a phono section. There is the ZP3, which is a phono preamp and could be used with the Zen amp or the Rachel. And there are many other phono preamps by other manufacturers of varying design and quality.

Here's a page on amazon about phono preamplifiers that may be helpful.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/21PCGJR9SBLQP

From this page:

Unlike line level audio sources you connect to a stereo (DVD/CD players, tape decks, TV audio, minidisc, etc.), the output from a magnetic cartridge installed in a good quality turntable is MUCH lower, and requires an additional stage of amplification to bring it up to the same volume as the other sources you listen to thru your stereo. This additional amp stage, the phono preamp, is built-in to most older receivers and amps, allowing direct connection of a turntable. However, newer stereo equipment (including virtually all mini-systems and home theatre units, as well as many stereo receivers and amps), have NO phono input (this because records and turntables are supposedly obsolete in today's world dominated by CDs and DVDs). In order to utilise the inputs such units DO have (Aux, Tape, Line, Video, CD, etc.) to connect a turntable, you need to first pass the signal thru an external phono preamp to bump the level. The same level increase is needed if you're connecting a turntable to a computer sound card's line input so you can make CD-Rs from LPs; again, the external phono preamp provides it.

Because of limitations in the LP recording process, an equalization curve must be applied to the music or other sonic content prior to it being cut onto vinyl, so as to reduce backround noise and sibilance. Reversing this equalization effect (the RIAA curve) and restoring the music's original frequency response curve during playback is an important part of the phono preamp's job and differentiates it from other preamps used for microphones and musical instruments, which usually provide gain but no other modification of the original sound quality. Proper RIAA re-equalization during playback is a must in faithfully producing the original musical content without coloration or distortion.

You're welcome Gregg.

The ZP3 is worth saving for!

If you want something truly cheap that will get the job done, though leaving a lot of room for fidelity improvement, this one (especially after a few weeks of use) is not shrill or really thin, decent beginning sound.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00025742A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&p...

I am using this in my Dad's system with a Pyle turntable that is of decent quality. . . a good starter phono set up if you don't have high expectations. I'd say its "sins" are of omission. . . doesn't sound great but doesn't sound horrible and is awfully cheap.

Sounds like a plan.

On the other hand buying a used piece from Audiogon or Ebay can usually be resold when you're done with it and you can get all or very close to your original outlay back.

Buying and selling used isn't for everyone, but those who turn gear this way have pretty good success.

Lastly, when you start getting close to having the funds check the buy/sell forum here and ask who might be willing to sell a ZP3.  You might get lucky and be able to get one somewhat discounted.  It would likely be taken care of well with this crowd.

Hi mulenut, you`ll have 3+ months to wait until you have to buy a phono. You never know something may turn up in the way of a bargain. If you go with the Pyle then you`ll enjoy it as you`re 1st set up, and will sound better as the Decware gear breaks in. The first phono I bought was the size of a small cigarette packet with a battery and dip switches. Sounded good to me.

Ok great. Decisions.......I'm kind of getting sold on the idea of the small preamp until I can afford exactly what I want. All in all it'll probably make "the boss" a little happier as well.  I'll keep thinking on it. I appreciate the advice and info!
Rock on..
Mule head for life!
G

I like Klipsch - but not for high end audio - they typically have a bit of honk to them and are a bit brash. The efficiency is perfect for the Zen, and they will be tolerable, but the 945 would be several levels above those Klipsch - so I would do whatever I could for the better speakers.

Cables you can DIY and upgrade later.  Source, Amp, Speakers are the gear Triad - and don't forget how important placement in the room is.

Ok another silly question. Talking with "The Boss" about radio. She enjoys the all day Sunday programming of NPR. Is a tuner an option for the se84ckc or is it a pipe dream? Again, newbie to tube gear and trying to keep the whole house happy. Any and all advice is much appreciated.

Cheers,
Gregg

Hello again,
doing a little research on power conditioning/surge protectors etc.  Does anyone out there have any experience or thoughts on this matter.  I'm having some space issues with the power source (wall outlets).

I use a PS Audio Quintet conditioner for all my gear except the power amp.  Amps should not have any current limitations that many conditioners impose as a small penalty for the conditioning.  Also, you want your amp on its own outlet.  My preamp, SACD player, and turntable combined don't draw that much current, but they really benefit from reduced power line noise.

The Quintet ($350) was discontinued, I believe, because it brought too much benefit at a low price.  PS Audio couldn't just up the price for no good reason so they replaced it with the now current Dectet ($495) model which has less features.  If you could find a Quintet used, jump on it.  I noticed immediate improvement in blacker backgrounds and resolution right out of the box.  

Another great budget conditioner would be the Furman - PST 8 Digital Power Station ($185) available at many online gear outlets like Music Direct.  Even an entry level model from a company who has experience in this area is better than not using one.

Thanks for all of the sound advice. I really appreciate it! Just got onto the build list today. Totally psyched!!! Can't wait for the gear to arrive.

I am right there with you Raven, as soon as I submitted my order I was chomping at the bit.  Gonna be a long 8-12 weeks  
I've managed to drive my entire household crazy with the idea.