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luker2100
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Joined: Dec 19 2012 - 7:43am
Why so quiet?!?!

Hi guys,

You will have to forgive me but I am very new to this. 

I have just got a second-hand Technics SL-BD22 turntable. I have connected it to my amp and played a record but it's really quiet. 

I can hear it but if I were to plug in my ipod in the same amp it goes very loud.

As i dont know anything about turntables (yet) I am wondering what it could be? Is it something serious? 

After a quick look around the internet am i right in thinking a faulty cartridge can do this or is it something inside?

Or is it that you just need a mega amp for turntables?

Help would be gratefully received!

Merry Christmas!!

Ariel Bitran
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Joined: Jun 1 2007 - 2:14pm
sounds to me like you need a phono preamp

turntables output a very quiet signal with both needs to be boosted and adjusted to the RIAA curve 

to do this, most turntables run their signal into an external phono preamp

(some TTs have them already, but doesn´t sound like yours does.

jackfish
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Joined: Dec 19 2005 - 2:42pm
You will need a separate phono preamp.

Let us know how much you want to spend for a phono preamp and we can make some suggestions.

luker2100
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So there's nothing wrong with

So there's nothing wrong with it then? This is normal with a turntable?

I don't want to spend much more than about £30. Is that really low?

thanks guys!

jackfish
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I don't know what is available across the pond, but

the TCC-TC-750 will fit that budget. Looks like the Pro-Ject Phono Box is available in the UK for £60.

commsysman
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RIAA EQUALIZATION AND CARTRIDGES

A line-level signal from a CD player or Tuner or other source has a voltage on the order of 1 volt or so.

A cartridge only puts out a few thousandths of a volt. It must have a phono preamp between the cartridge and the amplifier to boost the signal way up to the 1 volt level.

Furthermore, when the record is recorded at the mastering studio, the bass is reduced even further in level to keep the bass record grooves from taking up too much physical space on the record. This is called "RIAA EQUALIZATION" and the phono preamp has to reduce the treble and boost the bass back to its original level in order to restore the original frequency balance.

You should look up "RIIAA EQUALIZATION" on Wikipedia and read about it so you understand. All records are recorded and played back using it.

I suggest that you get the Cambridge Audio 551P phono preamp or an equivalent unit. You MUST have a phono preamp; it is not optional.

Some integrated amplifiers, for example the Music Hall A15.2, have a phono preamp and equalization circuit built in to the amplifer, and you can just connect the cartridge direct to the "PHONO' input jacks in that case.

 

 

 

 

Or is it that you just need a mega amp for turntables?

Help would be gratefully received!

Merry Christmas!!

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