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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 1 response by minkwelder

minkwelder
256 posts
 
I have no direct knowledge of this preamp, but I have a couple of suggestions on what you might check.

The info I have read indicates that the phono preamp is for a moving magnet cartridge. You don't list your cartridge, but a low output moving coil cartridge would give you the result you're describing.

You indicate that the input is labeled aux/phono. This input is probably a dual purpose input that can be switched to accommodate either a phono or a line level signal. Check your manual to make sure.
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