Hello, fellow audio folk. I'm really new to this whole scene so please excuse my naivety. I recently inherited a Huldra 8, a Tandberg TR200 and a pair of Tandberg speakers from my parents. I love their design and sound, but they are pretty old and have limited cable inputs/outputs. The Huldra 8 is a tube amplifier, so I would prefer to use that one. However it only has phono for input. I have been able to connect the TR200 to my computer (using a HDVD800 as a DAC) and it plays wonderfully.
On to my question, and sorry if this is the wrong topic to post this in. So I want to use the Huldra 8 mainly, but seeing how it only has phono input it can only really play music from a record player, right? Based on what I've read. So the compromise I've come up with is to use the Huldra 8 for records and the TR200 for computer audio. The problem though is I only have one pair of speakers. Is there a way to somehow connect the one pair to two amps? Or connect the two amps together? Even better would be if there was a way to get computer audio on the Huldra 8. I don't have the space or the money currently to buy another pair of speakers, though I know this would be the easiest option. Any help is really appreciated!
On to my question, and sorry if this is the wrong topic to post this in. So I want to use the Huldra 8 mainly, but seeing how it only has phono input it can only really play music from a record player, right? Based on what I've read. So the compromise I've come up with is to use the Huldra 8 for records and the TR200 for computer audio. The problem though is I only have one pair of speakers. Is there a way to somehow connect the one pair to two amps? Or connect the two amps together? Even better would be if there was a way to get computer audio on the Huldra 8. I don't have the space or the money currently to buy another pair of speakers, though I know this would be the easiest option. Any help is really appreciated!
Welcome to the forum!
The type of pre-amp in use in the Huldra 8 is chosen by a selector switch on the rear of the unit (see attachment). Selecting 'ceramic' will give you a high impedance input which should work OK with your computer/DAC.
I would obtain an external two-way input selector switch unit to connect to the phono input of the Huldra 8 so you can toggle between your computer input and your record player input (selecting the appropriate pre-amp for each using the Huldra's inbuilt selector switch).
It is not a good idea to switch two amps between one set of speakers when one of them is a tube amp - you could damage the tube amp.
The type of pre-amp in use in the Huldra 8 is chosen by a selector switch on the rear of the unit (see attachment). Selecting 'ceramic' will give you a high impedance input which should work OK with your computer/DAC.
I would obtain an external two-way input selector switch unit to connect to the phono input of the Huldra 8 so you can toggle between your computer input and your record player input (selecting the appropriate pre-amp for each using the Huldra's inbuilt selector switch).
It is not a good idea to switch two amps between one set of speakers when one of them is a tube amp - you could damage the tube amp.
Attachments
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Here's an example of a suitable input selector switch: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/29407685...%3D|ampid:PL_CLK|clp:2047675&epid=27037098737
I could be wrong, but I think the Huldra 8 is a solid state amplifier with tube tuner section, and the phono input need a Inverse RIAA circuit to accept normal line input.
BTW, why not use the tape recorder input?
BTW, why not use the tape recorder input?
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The phono input is switchable between magnetic, ceramic and crystal inputs, chris.
However you are correct, I didn't spot the tape recorder input and the computer/DAC may work into that.
However you are correct, I didn't spot the tape recorder input and the computer/DAC may work into that.
Details here chris (including schematic): https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/tandberg_huldra_8.html#:~:text=Tandberg 4-Band Stereo Receiver Model Huldra 8-55 Tuning,output: 10 watts per channel into 4Ω (stereo)
Yes, tubes in the tuner section!
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I found the user manual in English and confirmed the amplifier section is solid state.
https://www.tandbergforum.com/forum/hulda-series/huldra-8-english-user-manual/
https://www.tandbergforum.com/forum/hulda-series/huldra-8-english-user-manual/
@ BabushkaKing
I case I have confused you, plug the computer/DAC into the tape recorder input and your record deck into the phono input.
Please let us know how you get on!
I case I have confused you, plug the computer/DAC into the tape recorder input and your record deck into the phono input.
Please let us know how you get on!
Okay! Thank you both for your inputs! I was slightly confused, but I think I understand now. So the amp itself on the Huldra 8 is solid state, the same as the TR200. I just got a price estimation to fix the Huldra 8 at about $170 from a service company I delivered it to. The TR200 works perfectly, beautiful sound. Should I just keep the Huldra 8 as an antique? I guess that's up to me personally, but do you have any arguments for or against?
Also, what kind of plugs are those for the tape recorder? Banana plugs? I might try and get a radio antenna for the Huldra and use it as a radio
The tape recorder plug will be a 'DIN' plug. Either a '5 pin DIN' or a '3 pin DIN'. I can't see the socket clearly on the photo I supplied. There should be information in the manual.
Having no idea how the respective amps sound, I can't advise you on which one to use - other than to say the TR200 should have more flexibility in terms of choice of inputs.
if you need more info on the DIN plug, just ask.
Edit: I see the TR200 has three inputs, phono, extra and tape - all DIN sockets.
Having no idea how the respective amps sound, I can't advise you on which one to use - other than to say the TR200 should have more flexibility in terms of choice of inputs.
if you need more info on the DIN plug, just ask.
Edit: I see the TR200 has three inputs, phono, extra and tape - all DIN sockets.
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If you haven't yet paid, or engaged, to have the Huldra 8 serviced, then I suggest you keep it as an antique.
The total restoration costs could well be in excess of the repair estimate.
The total restoration costs could well be in excess of the repair estimate.
I was thinking on the plugs for the Huldra 8. They look like brown rca plugs or something. I am currently using a 5 pin DIN plut on the TR200 on the Extra input. Had to buy 2 XLR to RCA plugs and a RCA to 5 DIN cable. It's of really low quality though so I want to get a custom one made once I have the money for it.
My first paragraph referred to the tape input on the Huldra 8.
i can't see it clearly on the photograph I supplied. You are saying it is not a DIN socket and obviously know what you are talking about.
i can't see it clearly on the photograph I supplied. You are saying it is not a DIN socket and obviously know what you are talking about.
Oh, of course! That big one on top is a 5 DIN! Sorry, completely forgot about it. I decided to get it fixed since it has sentimental value for my family. It's nice to know I can use the same cable I use for the TR200 to the Huldra. Thanks for all the help and wisdom!
