I have a direct drive Sony ps-3300 turntable connected to Denon receiver. The problem is sound is only coming out of one speaker, the other side is so faint it’s almost inaudible. When I switch the connections it plays out of the other speaker and the other side goes faint. I thought the problem was the turntable and one that of the channels had gone bad. But I bought an identical ps-3300 hooked it up and the same problem exists. Sound on one speaker but not on both. Any thoughts? Thanks.
So you have proved the problem is with the turntables. So they are both faulty. I don't think these turntables have been made for a while, so I assume you bought them used.
Now I need to ask you a few questions. Did you buy these turntables with cartridges? If not, did you install the cartridges? Did you use the same cartridge in both turntables or different ones? What are the cartridges.
Now it seems to me either there are cartridge problems, or a wiring problem in the turntable.
Now to check things out. You need to check continuity from head shell to the RCA plugs. To do this you MUST disconnect the cartridge by pulling off the pin connectors. DO NOT check for continuity by connecting a multimeter across the RCA plugs with the cartridge connected, or you will blow it!
Once you have the pin connectors off the cartridge, test for continuity for each pin connector to its RCA plug with a multimeter. Test the connector to each RCA pin and ground. So check all four of the wires individually.
If you find there is a wire that does not connect through to the RCA plug that is your problem. If there is a loss of continuity the problem is likely in the arm end of the head shell connector. I have found reasons to believe that connector can be a source of trouble on those turntables.
