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Newbie Question: Why is turntable volume so low?

Hi,

I'm a newbie trying to get back into analog. Over the last two months or so I've purchased the following components from the boards here and on ebay:

Mcintosh MX120 pre-amp
Mcintosh MC205 amp
B&W 804N main speakers
Denon DP A-100 turntable

The speakers are bi-wired, and I'm using the balanced input / output connections for the left and right speakers, as well as the unbalanced (RCA) connections to / from the amp / pre-amp. The turntable is connected via RCA cable to the aux/phono input of the pre-amp.

The issue is that when I play back a digital source (CD or DVD) the system is LOUD at a volume level of 20 (and sounds great). When I play the turntable, the volume has to be turned up to 40 - 50 just to get it close to listening levels (and sounds just OK).

Please tell me I didn't spend all this money to get back into analog and have it sound so disappointing! Any tips, tricks and / or advice? I'd really appreciate any help I could get.

Thanks!

Bill
bill_chilian

Showing 3 responses by bill_chilian

bill_chilian OP
3 posts
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the answers, unfortunately, I'm still stuck. Hifitime, I have set the "ZONE A ANALOG INPUT PHON" setting (as opposed to the BAL1 or RCA options in that particular menu) but I'm still at a volume level of around 40 for the turntable (vs. 20 for digital inputs). The BAL1 and RCA options offer almost no sound at all (mostly just hum). I'm just worried that if the volume is at 40, and someone changes to a digital input without turning the volume down first, I'll damage my B&W's.

Your last post mentions some stuff over my head. Do you mean I have to buy an additional pre-amp just for the turntable? Totally uninformed newbie question number 3: Can I just buy another cartridge for the turntable instead (cheaper, no)? A different turntable would also be cheaper, I would think.

Sorry for all the dumb questions guys, but trust me, I'm worth it!

Regards,

Bill
bill_chilian OP
3 posts
 
Hi Guys,

First, thanks for all the advice! I contacted both Mcintosh and Denon, and they both said the same thing, the way to go would be to get a step up transformer, and they both mentioned the same one, the Denon AU-300LC. I have one on order:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=954ff2fef8b37bc8c83c8f63a47f23d2&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=DENONAU300LC

and will let you know how it works out.

I'm pretty psyched to be back in the game!

Thanks!

Bill
bill_chilian OP
3 posts
 
Hi Guys,

Step-up purchased, installed and sounds awesome! Thanks for all the advice! More stupid questions to come from me any day now I'm sure!

Thanks,

Bill
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