If you plugged the turntable into the Technics phono input and it's too quiet, the look at what cartridge is on the tonearm. The Technics has a "MM" input for moving-magnet cartridges. It's possible that there is a moving coil cartridge on the tonearm, which has a much lower output. If so, then you need a step-up transformer for that cartridge, or a separate pre-preamp between the turntable and the Technics.  Alternatively, you can get a pre-amp with a moving coil phono input.

How low is too low by your description? Do you have to turn the volume nearly all the way up to hear something? If you're comparing CDs to LPs, often the LPs will be not as loud and the volume knob must be turned up more.

You need a Phono Preamp!

The signal is not only too low, but you also need RIAA equalization. My guess is that the phono input on the Technics is just labeled phono but does not really have a real phono amp or equalization.

RIAA signal processing reduces the bass level with a 3-stage filter before the record is cut to save space on the record surface, so you have to have a variable-gain stage that boosts the bass back up to its proper level when playing back the record.

You can get the Musical Fidelity Phono Preamp for $99 at Audio Advisor, and it has inputs for either a MM or MC phono cartridge. Its output can go to any unused input on the amplifier. It is very good.

If you have hum, run a ground wire from the amp to turntable metal parts/frame. If not, no problem.

widdly wrote:

Hi there,

So I just got a Technics 1200 and I've tried running it through a Yamaha HTR-5750, and a Technics AS-203. The Yamaha doesn't have a phono input, but the Technics does. Neither play at a normal level though.  Does anyone have any insight as to why? Also, the turntable I picked up was used and does not have a ground cable. 

Thanks