Newbie Question: Why is turntable volume so low?

"ZONE A Analog Input
The MX120 has one Stereo Balanced Input that may be assigned
to any of the eight Audio Inputs instead of unbalanced
(RCA Type) jacks. The AUX Input also includes the
option of connecting a Turntable with a Moving Magnet
type Phono Cartridge to PH/AUX unbalanced jacks. In the
steps below, the BALanced Input will be assigned to the
DVD Input and the PH/AUX Input will change over to a
Phono Input." (from page 32)

The above came from the manual's page 32. This is what I'm also referring to, about switching the input gain for phono, or "PHON." I hope this does the job!

If you look in the manual read the prior pages starting with 31, then at page 33, figure #20 settings, until you get it to read "ZONE A ANALOG INPUT PHON." That may get the gain set for a MM cartridge. This is using on-screen settings.

I'm not 100% sure, but this is where I would start. You may have to read some of the prior settings to get you there. I don't have one, but if nobody else has anything better, give this a shot. A MM phono has a lot lower signal, than a regular component does.

So I'm guessing this may switch the gain to work for a MM cartridge, instead of a higher output device that can also use the same jack. It looks like you do need to do this with the on-screen settings set-up first to do this. Again, I'm not 100% sure, but this seems like the direction to start.

When I posted, the above posts weren't there. If it does have the DL-103 low output cartridge, then you probably do need an outboard phono preamp for moving coil (MC) cartridges. Also, you do need to turn off the preamp in the MAC, if that is the cartridge, and if your going to use an outboard preamp.

The phono amp built into the MAC is for MM (moving magnet) cartridges only. You do need to check the type of cartridge being used.

Bill, I guess my post from yesterday is not going to show up. I don't think your MX-120 is compatible with your present cartridge.

Rodman pointed out that you may have the DL-A100, which is a *low* output moving coil (MC) cartridge. This is most likely the cause of the low volume problem, due to its low output, if that is what's in your turntable.

There's a lot of difference in the output level/voltage between a moving coil (MC) cartridge, and a moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

The moving coil (MC) is a *low* output. I think this is what you have in your turntable and, most likely the problem. This type would need a separate phono preamp to work with your MX-120.

The moving magnet (MM) is a *high* output cartridge. This type of cartridge should work with your MX-120 with no problem.

I'm leaning toward you either need to get an extra outboard phono preamp for your present turntable/cartridge setup to work. This extra phono preamp would have to work with a low output moving coil (MC) cartridge, like the DL-A100, that may be in your turntable.

The other option would be to get a moving magnet (MM) high output cartridge, that should work with the MX-120's built in phono section.

I should have been more clear. I hope this helps.

Bill, when I posted, I overlooked the possibility of your turntable having a moving coil cartridge. Minkwelder asked about the cartridge type. Rodman said your Denon turntable normally comes with a DL-A100 low output cartridge moving coil (MC) cartridge. This type of cartridge has a real low output, in comparison to a regular moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

I was just guessing it had a higher output moving magnet type. But, after seeing it may have the low output DL-A100 cartridge, I'm leaning toward you needing an outboard phono preamplifier, just for the turntable with its DL-A100
cartridge.

A MM (moving coil) cartridge has a high output for a phono cartridge.

A MC (moving coil) cartridge has a low output. This appears to be the kind you have. Also, this low output type is most likely causing the low volume problem.

Your McIntosh MX-120 doesn't support the moving coil (MC), you appear to have installed in your turntable.

So, yes, I belive you do need a seperate outboard phono preamplifier, if it your Denon turntable has that Denon DL-A100 low output moving coil cartridge.

An outboard phono preamp needs to be capable of supporting a moving coil type of cartridge, since the MX-120 preamp doesn't.

Sorry for not being clear enough. I hope this helps.