Not getting any sound from Turntable

[Severin37]

I recently bought a Pro-ject ESSENTIAL turntable to be able to play some of my old records. As amplifier I have an ONKYO TX-NR609 which worked ok for my setup so far (playing only digital audio streams). Since this A/V Receiver does not have a phono stage I purchased a Vincent PHO-8 Phono Preamp, because the sound from this device has impressed me quite a lot. Setting all this up now gives me...an unamplified sound. It is as though the turntable is directly connected to the amp.

This left me thinking that one of the components had a defect. So I took the turntable together with the Preamp and connected it to a LINE input of an Accuphase E-204 and it played perfectly. Then I tried the same input on my own amplifier with a CD player to see if that one was ok, and it also plays as expected.

Now, I am really puzzled where something could have gone wrong. All parts by themselves seem to work fine, but in this combination they don't work.

One thing I noticed when looking at the specifications for the preamp was that it has an output impedance of ~250 Ohm, which seems quite a lot to me? Could that be the cause of the amp not handling the input?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm not understanding from your description what you're experiencing particularly. The phono preamp is being used on the cd input or? The volume control doesn't seem to work in combo with this input using the phono preamp?

 

[KenM10759]

I don't understand either but it seems you may be mistaking a phono pre-amp for being a phono-to-speakers amp. The connections you describe in the second paragraph is how it should be configured.

turntable output>phono amp input>phono amp output>receiver or power amplifier input>output to speakers

 

[cpd]

Severin - Are these the hookups you have tried and the associated results?

TT>Pho-8 phono amp>Onkyo Line Level Input = unamplified sound
CD Player> Same Onkyo Line Level Input = OK
TT>Pho-8 phono amp> Someone else's Accuphase IA Line Level Input = OK

 

[cvcgolf]

Did you fix your problem?.. I just purchased the Vincent PHO 8.. How does it sound?.. Be sure to have the front switch set to MM for moving magnet cartridge..

 

[Severin37]

Thank you for the responses, but still, the problem isn't fixed yet.

@KenM10759 I use the exact setup that you describe.
@cpd Yes, these are the setups I have tried:

TT out >Pho-8 phono amp in> Pho-8 phono amp out>Onkyo Line Level Input = unamplified sound
CD Player out> Same Onkyo Line Level Input = OK
TT out >Pho-8 phono amp in> Pho-8 phono amp out> Someone else's Accuphase IA Line Level Input = OK

@cvcgolf The Pre-amp itself sounds really well - very warm and detailed with a lot of power. I am aware of the front switch and it's set to MM for my Ortofon 2M pickup.

 

[KenM10759]

Have you tried using other input pairs on the Onkyo? I'm just wondering if it's possible you have a defective input on that.

 

[lovinthehd]

Are you saying that the output level of the phono pre on the cd's input is at a lower level than your cd player's output? That would be somewhat normal (and you could use the input level adjustment called Intellivolume, if like most Onkyos, to compensate). Or are you saying for some reason your Onkyo can't amplify the signal?

 

[TLS Guy]

Thank you for the responses, but still, the problem isn't fixed yet.

@KenM10759 I use the exact setup that you describe.
@cpd Yes, these are the setups I have tried:

TT out >Pho-8 phono amp in> Pho-8 phono amp out>Onkyo Line Level Input = unamplified sound
CD Player out> Same Onkyo Line Level Input = OK
TT out >Pho-8 phono amp in> Pho-8 phono amp out> Someone else's Accuphase IA Line Level Input = OK

@cvcgolf The Pre-amp itself sounds really well - very warm and detailed with a lot of power. I am aware of the front switch and it's set to MM for my Ortofon 2M pickup.

I have been following this thread with interest. It seems puzzling, but this is a simple hookup and there must be a simple explanation.

In light of all you have said, I think you have hooked this up correctly. We know your phono preamp works, and the line input on the Onkyo works.

This is not an impedance problem as the output impedance of the phono preamp is lower than the input impedance of a line input.

I have to feel the cable is the problem. Have you switched cables? The cable likely tests OK. However I have found over the years, that the speck of the RCA plugs can vary manufacturer to manufacturer. In particular the diameter of the plug live end can be out of spec, and not make proper connection with the jacks. Does the CD player work with same cable you are using from the phone preamp? Test that and also use a different cable to make sure. Since we know both units work this has to be something to do with the cable.

 

[Severin37]

@TLS Guy
Thank you for your input. I haven't considered anything related to RCA specifications, so that might actually be something to look into.
Besides that I have tried different cables, but all of them from the same manufacturer (MONSTER) from them same period. I'll order some new new ones and let you know the result.

 

[TLS Guy]

@TLS Guy
Thank you for your input. I haven't considered anything related to RCA specifications, so that might actually be something to look into.
Besides that I have tried different cables, but all of them from the same manufacturer (MONSTER) from them same period. I'll order some new new ones and let you know the result.

Interesting, as Monster cables have been the ones I have most frequently encountered this with. As far as I'm concerned Monster RCA cables are the worst garbage, and likely the cause of your problem.

Get some cables from Monoprice or Blue Jeans Cable.

 

[lovinthehd]

On the cable note, you are using what length of cable?