Low output from turntable

[CSW330]

Hello all: I have a Thorens TD160 turntable connected (as directed in the manual) to the TV/CD input on the receiver. My turntable with its original Ortofon OM10 cartridge has been in storage for years but was functional the last time it was used with a Sony stereo receiver.

I resurrected the turntable recently and upon connection to the receiver, the output with max volume is what seems like ~20% of its potential. So I ordered a Fosi Audio P1 tube preamp, thinking that would solve the problem. However, with the preamp turned up all the way, the output from the Onkyo is about the same. I'm kind of stumped as to what's impeding the volume output. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Leemix]

Are you connecting it to the phono input or a phone preamp?
Turntables have very low output and also need some other bits to recreate the correct signal.
Some turntables do have this built in(most dont) but the output shouldnt be so low if so.


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[CSW330]

Leemix, thanks for your quick reply. Yes, the turntable is connected to the preamp, which is connected to the receiver. That's the issue: the output from the receiver is the same with or without the preamp connected.

 

[Leemix]

Leemix, thanks for your quick reply. Yes, the turntable is connected to the preamp, which is connected to the receiver. That's the issue: the output from the receiver is the same with or without the preamp connected.

But is it a phono preamp? (Made for turntables with everything they need)


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[CSW330]

Leemix: You're right. After googling the preamp, I found this: "NOTE: This is a preamplifier, not a power amplifier or phono preamp, can't be used for turntables or passive speakers." So, I need a power amplifier instead. My fault for not researching this a little more thoroughly. Thanks!

 

[CSW330]

I wonder why my receiver,with its 80w min power per channel, needs a separate power amp to power the turntable. Are surround-sound receivers built differently from older, stereo receivers like my previous, cheap Sony??

 

[Leemix]

I wonder why my receiver,with its 80w min power per channel, needs a separate power amp to power the turntable. Are surround-sound receivers built differently from older, stereo receivers like my previous, cheap Sony??

Nono, you do not need a power amplifier!

You need a PHONO PRE-AMPLIFIER, if you connect a power amplifier between the turntable and the reciever you can expect fire.


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[Leemix]

Have you checked if your AVR has phono inputs, it might have but some especially lower end models have skipped them to save on cost. Look in the manual or on the back of it for RCA connectors marked PHONO.


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[CSW330]

Thanks for the warning. I did figure that out in the meantime. This seems to be a reasonable solution: https://amzn.to/3gmhMKz Do you agree?

 

[Leemix]

No idea how Fosi is, you also need to check if its an MM or MC cartridge on your turntable. Many phono pre-amps have a switch and can do both but doesnt look like the Fosi can.

I dont know much about turntables, just the basics ive picked up, dont have one myself and probably havent put on a record in 35y+ since i was a kid.


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[CSW330]

And no, my Onkyo does not have a phono input.

 

[CSW330]

I checked and my ORTOFON OM10 CARTRIDGE is an MM cartridge, and the Fosi bills itself as a "Tube MM Phone Preamplifier". So , it appears this is a workable solution. Agreed? Thanks for your help.

 

[Leemix]

I checked and my ORTOFON OM10 CARTRIDGE is an MM cartridge, and the Fosi bills itself as a "Tube MM Phone Preamplifier". So , it appears this is a workable solution. Agreed? Thanks for your help.

Should be fine then yes.


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[TLS Guy]

You do not need a fussy tube phono preamp. This one will be fine.

 

[Leemix]

Thats probably a much easier and possibly better option by TLS Guy


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[afterlife2]

ART DJPRE II is also a good choice. It has a volume adjustment. It's $60 new, but there is one on eBay for $45 or better offer. Offer $40.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thats probably a much easier and possibly better option by TLS Guy


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Yes, it is a better option. That Project is a good sensible unit at a good price. That Fosi contraption looks like trouble with a big T.

That Thorens TD 160 he has is a very good turntable. It might need a new drive belt by now though as it is now ancient, but none the worse for that. That came from an era of Swiss engineering at its best. I have the predecessor, the TD 150. It has been in regular use for nearly 55 years now. I bought mine less plinth and arm. I think it cost 16 GBP back then. In those days that would have been around $45.00. That was a time when Rochester still had a B & M audio store. But sign of things to come, it soon went out of business after that purchase. It has a Swiss Papst synchronous motor and a massive central bearing for the turntable. It has had a variety of arms on it over the years. Currently it has an SME series III arm and Shure V 15 xmr cartridge.

The other turntables are Garrard 301s of slightly older vintage.

 

[Leemix]

The possibly was put there in case he really wanted tubes. (Didnt translate well either but its late)


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[TLS Guy]

The possibly was put there in case he really wanted tubes. (Didnt translate well either but its late)


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I'd be surprised if this chap could tell a tube from a transistor!

 

[pcosmic]

Hello all: I have a Thorens TD160 turntable connected (as directed in the manual) to the TV/CD input on the receiver. My turntable with its original Ortofon OM10 cartridge has been in storage for years but was functional the last time it was used with a Sony stereo receiver.

I resurrected the turntable recently and upon connection to the receiver, the output with max volume is what seems like ~20% of its potential. So I ordered a Fosi Audio P1 tube preamp, thinking that would solve the problem. However, with the preamp turned up all the way, the output from the Onkyo is about the same. I'm kind of stumped as to what's impeding the volume output. Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Wait, so you are plugging your turntable into the DEDICATED PHONO INPUT on the receiver right??


- It didn't work out withe built in phono pre on your receiver.
- It didn't work out with the Fosi phono pre output into a regular analog in.
That's 2 phono pres you"ve tested thus far.

I don't know why some guys are suggesting that you buy a THIRD PHONO PRE AS THE SOLUTION!!!

I think it may be something with your turntable instead. Your cartridge could be fcked up. Did you install it correctly? Do you have another cartridge laying around you can test?