New receiver, phono level very low compared to CD?

[PENG]

Now you can see why "subjectivity" and Placebo effect could affect our perception when comparing audio gear. it is in fact highly possible that the Marantz is giving you more faithful and accurate reproduction of the signal than your old Sony+BEE, so once you got used to it you may actually prefer the current set up.

If you are sure you hear distortions though, you really should do the tracking alignment/weight check and adjust if necessary.

 

[3db]

The OM 10 and 2M Red are both made by Ortofon, the 2M Red has a little higher output. Anyway, if there is 10-15 dB between phono and CD I think you are fine. If you are getting audible distortions you may want to double check the alignment and tracking weight following Ortofon/Pro-ject instructions. I am pretty sure the Marantz and Denon AVRs have the same phono stage in all models as their published specs are identical word for word, so unless your unit is defective (possible but unlikely), returning it for another model isn't likely going to help. Obviously the easiest first step is to try using your BBE through the aux to compare, though I highly doubt that box can do any better.

Now you got me curious enough to want to try my Xpression on the Marantz AVP this weekend. If I do I 'll let you know the volume level difference between CD and phono. I am still guessing around 10 dB, going by memory and feeling at the time. This time I will take measurements with a spl meter.

Edit: I didn't read your post#18 until after, but then now I know I guessed right about the 10dB difference.

Could point about checking the cartridge alignment. I didn't mention that as I assumed the alignment is done at the factory as these tables come with a cartridge already mounted.

 

[slipperybidness]

I generally need to play my albums at -40 to -36db and CD's at about -50db to hear what seems to be a matching volume. I have 3 carts: Shure 97xE, Shure V15V-MR, & Ortofon 2M Red, all requiring about the same gain for similar volume. Seems to be what others here have alluded to, 10 to 15db more gain necessary on phono input for level to match CD input.

That doesn't seem like a problem to me, just be sure to turn it down when going from vinyl back to a normal source.

On my Pio elite, I'm typically listening to digi sources around the -35dB range, but vinyl I'm closer to the -25dB range.

This is for my Pro-Ject with the 2M red, and for my Technics with the Shure 97xE.

Honestly, a little reading on "voltage gain structure" would likely provide a little insight and learning for you.

 

[ericsdeadletteroffice]

As promised in my other thread, here is a pic of the set up, and here is my needle. I don;t know how to tell which one it is, other than the assumption that perhaps it is the 2M Red because it's, well, red. If anyone knows for sure, please tell me.

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/ericcraigis/FullSizeRender21.jpg

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/ericcraigis/FullSizeRender_2.jpg

 

[PENG]

As promised in my other thread, here is a pic of the set up, and here is my needle. I don;t know how to tell which one it is, other than the assumption that perhaps it is the 2M Red because it's, well, red. If anyone knows for sure, please tell me.

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/ericcraigis/FullSizeRender21.jpg

http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/ericcraigis/FullSizeRender_2.jpg

That is the 2M Red, not only it is red, you can actually see "2M" (upper right corner). It has a decent output of 5.5 mV at 1000 Hz.

https://www.ortofon.com/ortofon-2m-red-p-317

The Marantz phono input sensitivity is 2.5 mV so there should be no issue at all.

 

[Mikado463]

one word .........'gain' ......there is obviously an issue with it between your cartridge / phono-pre and preamp section of your receiver.

 

[PENG]

Read the whole thread, we don't think there is anything wrong with his avr.

 

[Mikado463]

Read the whole thread, we don't think there is anything wrong with his avr.

I see, Op was able to make setting adj via his remote as was suggested. Again.....'gain'

 

[PENG]

I see, Op was able to make setting adj via his remote as was suggested. Again.....'gain'

Of course such AVR allows individual level adjustments for individual inputs, as you said, "gain". As slippery pointed out in his post#23, it's a "voltage gain structure" issue. That's why AVRs typically provide the individual source level adjustments feature, to cope with the different output levels of different input sources.

I misunderstood your point as I thought by "issue", your meant "problem, defect etc.". Thank you for clearing that up.

 

[slipperybidness]

Of course such AVR allows individual level adjustments for individual inputs, as you said, "gain". As slippery pointed out in his post#23, it's a "voltage gain structure" issue. That's why AVRs typically provide the individual source level adjustments feature, to cope with the different output levels of different input sources.

I misunderstood your point as I thought by "issue", your meant "problem, defect etc.". Thank you for clearing that up.

Now, I guess I need to figure out if my AVR will let me adjust the gain on individual inputs. Dunno, it never really bothered me, just the nature of the beast.

 

[PENG]

Now, I guess I need to figure out if my AVR will let me adjust the gain on individual inputs. Dunno, it never really bothered me, just the nature of the beast.

I know D&M's newer models have that feature. My old AV8801 and AVR4308 certainly do, but it never bothered me either so that feature is of no use to me. It takes a split second to grab the remote to adjust the volume as required. Now if my turntable is hooked up to my HT system, then I may (still highly unlikely) find that feature useful.

 

[Bucknekked]

Now, I guess I need to figure out if my AVR will let me adjust the gain on individual inputs. Dunno, it never really bothered me, just the nature of the beast.

like Peng said, the new Denons will let you adjust individual inputs. When I fired up my new x4200w its one the first things I noticed: the phono volume was super low. My old Denon didn't have a phono preamp so I used an external preamp and never gave the level from my turntable a second thought. I plug in the new Denon unit with an internal phono preamp and the volume was waaaaay down there. No worries though because its adjustable : I turned it up a full +12db which I think is the limit. Ez Peazy.

 

[lovinthehd]

Onkyo/Integra avrs had an input adjustment called Intellivolume.