2. amps-preamps
  3. 1349611367

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
bgpowell
70 posts
 
I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but you don't necessarily need an outboard phono preamp. You could use a step up between the turntable and McIntosh preamp. This could be an active head unit or step up transformers. The cheapest path would probably be to try a Moving Magnet cartridge. I don't know what would go good with your arm, but Grado and Audio Technica make good entry level MM cartridges.

Ben
rodman99999
6,152 posts
 
As Mr B mentioned; A good step-up X-former would be another way to go, without lowering the performance of which the table/cartridge combo is capable. What would be the point of buying a table listing for $2500.00, that comes with a cartridge, optimized for it's arm, and installing an entry-level transducer? The DL-A100 cart, lists for $500.00 by itself, and performs comparably with other MC carts, in that price range. The Denon 103 family of cartridges, had very nice presentation, imaging and sense of the recording venue. ( http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/mc_step-up_transformers_explai.html )
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
More to discover