Eleven explained everything correctly. Do it that way.
However, there are also turntables with built-in
pre-equalizers! You can then connect these directly to the line inputs. But most high-end users will certainly use a good turntable and cartridge that does not have integrated phono preamplification and will use a separate phono preamplifier, which must then of course be connected to the line inputs of the 520.
Well, you’ve done it and can now enjoy your vinyl.
I am using my Rega 3 and the RS520 with a “dac loop” ….
Easy Way: Rega → Phono preamp > Line In RS520.
After purchasing a topping dx 5 II for my headphones i i wanted a direct way from my Rega to my ears without RS520. But then i found out still possible to connect it analog to RS520.
So now it is like this:
Rega → phonopre → digital out → topping dx5 → Headphones OR → line out → RS520.
Sounds brilliant. I couldn’t find out a difference between analog or digital but there is a huge difference when you’re using the topping filters.
That’s interesting.
There are a couple of ways you could configure this.
The Rega has to go thru the Phono Preamp.
But you could go directly into the RS520 via the digital in. Or line in. (Analog)
Then you can go to the Topping via Line Out (Analog) or Toslink Out. (Digital)
The interesting thing…
The Topping uses a lower grade ESS DAC chip. (2 of them for a total of 4 channels) vs the PRO chip which is an 8 channel DAC chip. Using the Line In on the RS520 bypasses the ES PRO chip.
Also not sure why you’re going digital out from your phono-pre amp?
Wouldn’t you want to stay analog?
I’m going from memory but if you’re analog in to the RS520 you’re not hitting the DAC at all. Same for the Topping.
I can’t hear any difference Weather analog or digital in. But there is a BIG one using the filters inside the Topping. That is why i‘m using it.