New Record Player (No sound from left speaker)

[Patoons]

I recently received the Pro-ject Debut III as a gift. After setting it up and plugging into the phono inputs of my Onkyo TX-8555 receiver and playing a record, I get no sound out of the left speaker.

I DO now get sound out of both speakers on other inputs (CD, AUX, etc.) and the Debut is still plugged in. I originally suspected it was the cables since one was not snug on one of the Debut III components. As a result, I purchased the LC-1 cables from Blue Jeans Cables and still no luck with the left speaker sound.

I'm starting to think maybe it's the player since I tested both ports from the receiver using one cord and both receiver components appear to work fine. I was considering calling the dealer or sending the player back. However, I've also been reading that it may be the record player cartridge.

Anyone have any advice how to remedy this issue or should I send back to the dealer/manufacturer?

Thanks for the help.

 

[ImcLoud]

send it back

 

[PENG]

I DO now get sound out of both speakers on other inputs (CD, AUX, etc.) and the Debut is still plugged in. I originally suspected it was the cables since one was not snug on one of the Debut III components. As a result, I purchased the LC-1 cables from Blue Jeans Cables and still no luck with the left speaker sound.

Did you mean the RCA connectors? Just make sure they are tightly plugged in because the ones on the interconnect cable don't seem to fit tight on the Debut side.

However, I've also been reading that it may be the record player cartridge.

You should do a quick check to see that all those tiny connectors from the tone leads are tightly connected to the cartridge (OM-5E right?) and well insulated from one another.

 

[Patoons]

Did you mean the RCA connectors? Just make sure they are tightly plugged in because the ones on the interconnect cable don't seem to fit tight on the Debut side..

Yes, RCA connectors. That's the exact issue I was initially having on the Debut side. It was fine with one, but the other continued to be loose.

You should do a quick check to see that all those tiny connectors from the tone leads are tightly connected to the cartridge (OM-5E right?) and well insulated from one another.

Yes, OM-5E. Someone else separately suggested that who I spoke to, so I'm going to test that out when I get home. Thanks.

 

[PENG]

Yes, OM-5E. Someone else separately suggested that who I spoke to, so I'm going to test that out when I get home. Thanks.

Be very careful so you don't break those thin wire leads, use the proper tools.

 

[slipperybidness]

My first suspicion is the leads going to the cart. There should be 4 total. A ground for each channel and a signal wire for each channel. Be sure those are plugged into those little pins correctly. It's small and delicate, so be careful.

Next step is to swap the L/R RCA cables (do it at the TT and see what happens, then do it at the receiver and see what happens and report back) and see if the problem moves to the other side or stays on the left side.

Again, my first impression is to check the connection to the cart. Find the manuals, etc and be sure it's connected correctly.

 

[3db]

My first suspicion is the leads going to the cart. There should be 4 total. A ground for each channel and a signal wire for each channel. Be sure those are plugged into those little pins correctly. It's small and delicate, so be careful.

Next step is to swap the L/R RCA cables (do it at the TT and see what happens, then do it at the receiver and see what happens and report back) and see if the problem moves to the other side or stays on the left side.


Again, my first impression is to check the connection to the cart. Find the manuals, etc and be sure it's connected correctly.

+1 ... Take the route slippery has suggested.

 

[Patoons]

My first suspicion is the leads going to the cart. There should be 4 total. A ground for each channel and a signal wire for each channel. Be sure those are plugged into those little pins correctly. It's small and delicate, so be careful.

Checked these and all look to be secure.

Next step is to swap the L/R RCA cables (do it at the TT and see what happens, then do it at the receiver and see what happens and report back) and see if the problem moves to the other side or stays on the left side.

Kept receiver constant, and flipped TT. Sound flips speakers.

Kept TT constant, one side works and other doesn't.

Seems like the TT port/wiring, no?

 

[Patoons]

Just reread what I wrote, it should say and to clarify:

Kept receiver constant, and flipped TT. Sound flips speakers with change in TT.

Kept TT constant and checked each receiver input, one side TT side works with both receiver inputs and other TT side doesn't work on either.

 

[cpp]

Something an old stereo tech friend does on TT issues;

1) flip the RCAs on your amp phono input and check if the music moves to the other speaker
2) check the cables from the TT and the RCAs
3) check the cartridge leads to the headshell
4) check your headshell, remove it and plug it back in, try to see if this makes a difference
5) check if the same scenario exisits when you play a different record
6) if you have a spare cartridge and headshell, try it, if the same problem persists, then it is your tone arm wiring or cables, if the same problem does not persist, its your cartridge wiring or perhaps your cartridge itself

The last time he saw this on this TT it was a loose wire at the cartridge rear end.

 

[slipperybidness]

Did you try a second set of cables to see if you got the same results?

Still, I'm suspect of the cart connection too, it's just that the simple fix is THE fix 90% of the time.

If not one of those, then yeah you might have a real problem that would require popping it open to inspect. If it's a new TT, then it might be time to consider shipping it back.

You could try to PM TLSguy for help, he is a resident TT guru.

 

[PENG]

Just reread what I wrote, it should say and to clarify:

Kept receiver constant, and flipped TT. Sound flips speakers with change in TT.

Kept TT constant and checked each receiver input, one side TT side works with both receiver inputs and other TT side doesn't work on either.

So now you have narrowed down the root cause to possibly a bad connection at either:

1) The TT tune arm lead connections to the cartridge (still most likely, and not always visible if it is a bad solder joint, or loose connection under the rubber boot), or
2) The TT RCA outlets connections (I assume that's what you referred to as "TT port/wiring" in your post#8?)

or you may have a bad cartridge.


Do one more quick test by flipping the L/R channel at the cartridge connections, again be very careful pulling the tiny connectors out and reconnecting and be prepared for any recoil action that may damage something. If the sound now flp to the opposite channel then you would have to pull those tiny rubber boots out of the connectors that are suspect. Once the rubber boots are out you should be able to see if the connections are good or not. If they are good then you have a bad cartridge. If fippling the L/R channel leads at the cartridge does not change anything, then you would have to check the connections at the TT RCA outlets. I have not done that last stop myself but I would think a screw driver should be all you need.

 

[slipperybidness]

So now you have narrowed down the root cause to possibly a bad connection at either:

1) The TT tune arm lead connections to the cartridge (still most likely, and not always visible if it is a bad solder joint, or loose connection under the rubber boot), or
2) The TT RCA outlets connections (I assume that's what you referred to as "TT port/wiring" in your post#8?)

or you may have a bad cartridge.


Do one more quick test by flipping the L/R channel at the cartridge connections, again be very careful pulling the tiny connectors out and reconnecting and be prepared for any recoil action that may damage something. If the sound now flp to the opposite channel then you would have to pull those tiny rubber boots out of the connectors that are suspect. Once the rubber boots are out you should be able to see if the connections are good or not. If they are good then you have a bad cartridge. If fippling the L/R channel leads at the cartridge does not change anything, then you would have to check the connections at the TT RCA outlets. I have not done that last stop myself but I would think a screw driver should be all you need.

Good call, on swapping the connections at the cart, should provide more info and point in the right direction.

 

[PENG]

Good call, on swapping the connections at the cart, should provide more info and point in the right direction.

I did own one of those Debut before and that's why I cautioned him to excercise care when working on those tiny leads. Unfortunately the head shell is not removable to make the job easier. By the way I thought in his first post he sort (can't tell for sure though) of indicated that he had already replaced the cable that's why I sort of rule that one out.

 

[slipperybidness]

Oh. The head shell is permanently affixed to the tone arm on the Debut? How about the Debut Carbon.

Dang, I was considering one of those for a future purchase. I'm not too sure about it if the head shell is permanently attached. How about the Rega P1-3? Are those permanent too?

 

[3db]

All of the ProJects tables have a permanent head shell if I remember correctly. Its actually better and presents less mass than a removable headshell. I'll never go back to a table with a removable headshell. The only draw back is that it makes trouble shooting a little more difficult in a case like this.

 

[slipperybidness]

All of the ProJects tables have a permanent head shell if I remember correctly. Its actually better and presents less mass than a removable headshell. I'll never go back to a table with a removable headshell. The only draw back is that it makes trouble shooting a little more difficult in a case like this.

The nice thing with a removable shell is that you can have 2 or 3 carts loaded up and ready to go. It is very simple to remove the shell, pop a new one in, check alignment, set the counter wait and go. It makes comparing carts much easier.

 

[Patoons]

I did own one of those Debut before and that's why I cautioned him to excercise care when working on those tiny leads. Unfortunately the head shell is not removable to make the job easier. By the way I thought in his first post he sort (can't tell for sure though) of indicated that he had already replaced the cable that's why I sort of rule that one out.

Yes, I did replace the cable and tried two separate cables - same issues.

 

[Patoons]

Good call, on swapping the connections at the cart, should provide more info and point in the right direction.

I did check the connections at the cartidge again last night with same result, but I haven't swapped the L/R wiring to the cartridge yet. I'll try that one tonight when I get home from work.

I appreciate all the help from everyone thus far.