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How to increase volume of my turntable - pre-amp - amp setup

Hi. Good Day to you all! My first post and first visit.

I have a cheap Scott turntable equipped with a low priced Audio-Technica mm cartridge through a cheap Berhringer pre-amp into a Logitech Z-680 speaker system. I also have a CD player separately into the system.

The volume output from the speakers is markedly lower from records than from CDs. I suppose that CD medium might be a little louder (the loudness war thing?) than vinyl but this seems to be an output problem not a difference in mediums.

I would like to increase  LP volume. How can I do this? Can I get a higher output cartridge for my turntable? How about a pre-amp with higher output? The Logitech speaker system seems plenty powerful.

I've researched but can't seem to find an answer that I understand. 

Thanks!

rajastrums

Showing 3 responses by reubent

reubent
7,090 posts
 
rajastrums,

A phono pre-amp is required in order to perform RIAA equalization and provide gain between the phone cartridge and the pre-amp/amp. Some pre-amps, and most receivers, have a phono stage built in. If there is not a built-in phono stage in your Scott TT (not likely) or the Berhringer pre-amp (also unlikely), you will need a phono pre-amp. Since you have a MM cartridge, you will want to get a phono pre-amp for a MM input, or one that is switchable between MM and MC. A simple MM phono cartridge will be the less expensive option.

reubent
7,090 posts
 
No, you need a phono pre-amp to go between your turntable and your pre-amp. The output of a phono cartridge is very low relative to a "line-level" component like a CD player or tuner. The output of a phono cartridge requires special equalization, as well as gain, before it is input into a pre-amp.

You can get a phono pre-amp from Pro-Ject, NAD, Parasound, etc., for about $100 - 150. You can find cheaper on e-Bay or at Parts Express, but I don't know how well they will perform.

Once you have a phono pre-amp in the system, the output when playing records and CDs will be similar.
reubent
7,090 posts
 
Rajastrums,

You're comparing the speaker output volume between a Turntable and a CD player connected to an inexpensive multi-channel computer speaker system. Most of the feedback you will receive here is based on experience with a more typical 2-channel audio hi-fi system. Unless we have ALL of the details about your particular setup, we can't tell you exactly what's happening with your unique setup. And detailed specifications for your inexpensive Logitech computer speaker system don't seem to be readily available.

Based on the information I've seen I would say you need either more gain from your phono cartridge or your phono pre-amp. However, there is a possibility that you have a setup issue with your Logitech computer audio system. The Logitech seems to use non-standard cabling, etc., so standard hi-fi setup may not apply. 

Lastly, how do you have your phono-preamp connect to the Logitech system controller box? Which input are you using? What input are you using for your CD player (digital input or analog input?)? 

You either have a problem your the overall gain of your TT/phono setup or you may have a setup problem on the Logitech speaker system side.
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