2. amps-preamps
  3. 1261675658

Weak ROTEL phono section

Hi all,
Have a Rotel rc1090 preamp...former top of the line...with balanced ins/outs.
Despite using a very powerful 6.5mv cartridge, the output seems a weak and flat. The volume knob on the Rotel has to go far (almost 2 or 3 o'clock) on some recordings to get a satisfactory volume.
I have no problem with cd playback, plenty of power using that input.
I'm using the Rotel with a McIntosh 252 amp. Again, sounds great(and powerful) with CDs.
Any insights or advice greatly appreciated.
Andrew
dordevic

Showing 2 responses by zormi

zormi
105 posts
 
I use the same preamp with (modest) Project turntable. No issues, loudness correct.

It seems to be some problem in catridge itself, or perhaps wiring, as someone alredy mentioned.
zormi
105 posts
 
Andrew,

I strictly use RCA outputs of the RC-1090 (and RCA inputs of RB-1090) cause these Rotel designs are pseudobalanced, so no any benefit from XLR connections.

Perhaps Almarg is right - you have to accept differences in loudness between CD and turntable as purely normal. Such a difference in some normal amount exists in my system too.

Cheers
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