Are you frustrated with the low sound coming from your Audio Technica turntable?
Do you find yourself constantly adjusting the volume to no avail?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Many vinyl enthusiasts run into this problem when setting up their stereo systems.
But fear not, there are several ways to make your turntable louder and improve your listening experience.
In this article, we’ll explore five different methods to boost the sound from your Audio Technica turntable.
From adding a phono preamp to changing the cartridge, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your Audio Technica turntable louder!
How To Make Audio Technica Turntable Louder
1. Add a Phono Preamp
One of the most common reasons for low sound from a turntable is the lack of a phono preamp. A phono preamp is responsible for amplifying the signal from the turntable to a level that can be heard through your speakers.
If your Audio Technica turntable has a LINE output, it already has a built-in preamp. However, if it only has a PHONO output, you’ll need to connect it to a receiver with a built-in preamplifier or a stand-alone preamplifier that connects between the turntable and the receiver.
Once you’ve added a phono preamp to your setup and connected it properly, you should notice a significant improvement in the sound level from your turntable.
2. Change the Cartridge
Another way to increase the sound level from your Audio Technica turntable is by changing the cartridge. The cartridge is responsible for converting the vibrations from the stylus into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through your speakers.
Moving magnet cartridges generally have a louder output than moving coil cartridges, which have a much lower output. If you feel that your current cartridge isn’t providing enough volume, consider upgrading to one with a higher output level.
3. Change the Phono Preamp
If you’ve already added a phono preamp to your setup but still aren’t satisfied with the sound level, consider changing to one with higher gain. A phono preamp with higher gain will amplify the signal from your turntable even more, resulting in a louder sound.
4. Consider a More Powerful Receiver/Amplifier
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still aren’t getting enough volume from your Audio Technica turntable, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more powerful receiver or amplifier. A more powerful receiver or amplifier will be able to provide more power to your speakers, resulting in a louder sound overall.
5. Consider Speakers with Higher Sensitivity
Finally, if you’re still not satisfied with the sound level from your Audio Technica turntable, consider upgrading to speakers with higher sensitivity. Speakers with higher sensitivity require less power to produce the same volume as speakers with lower sensitivity.
By upgrading to speakers with higher sensitivity, you’ll be able to get more volume out of your turntable without having to upgrade any other components in your setup.
Understanding The Components Of Your Audio Technica Turntable
To understand how to make your Audio Technica turntable louder, it’s important to understand its components. The turntable has a built-in preamp if it has a LINE output, but if it only has a PHONO output, you’ll need to add a phono preamp to amplify the signal.
The cartridge is responsible for converting the vibrations from the stylus into an electrical signal that can be amplified and played through your speakers. Moving magnet cartridges generally have a louder output than moving coil cartridges, so consider upgrading to one with a higher output level if you feel that your current cartridge isn’t providing enough volume.
The phono preamp is responsible for amplifying the signal from the turntable to a level that can be heard through your speakers. If you’ve already added a phono preamp but still aren’t satisfied with the sound level, consider changing to one with higher gain.
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and still aren’t getting enough volume from your Audio Technica turntable, it may be time to consider upgrading to a more powerful receiver or amplifier. A more powerful receiver or amplifier will be able to provide more power to your speakers, resulting in a louder sound overall.
Finally, upgrading to speakers with higher sensitivity can also increase the volume of your turntable without having to upgrade any other components in your setup. By understanding these components and how they work together, you can make informed decisions on how to improve the sound level of your Audio Technica turntable.
Adding A Phono Preamp To Boost The Sound
Adding a phono preamp to your Audio Technica turntable setup is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost the sound level. A phono preamp is responsible for amplifying the signal from your turntable to a level that can be heard through your speakers.
If your turntable only has a PHONO output, you’ll need to add a stand-alone preamplifier or connect it to a receiver with a built-in preamplifier. Once you’ve added the preamp and connected it properly, you should notice a significant improvement in the sound level from your turntable.
When selecting a phono preamp, consider one with higher gain, which will amplify the signal from your turntable even more, resulting in a louder sound. Additionally, some preamps offer adjustable settings that help you get the most out of a top-notch cartridge.
A phono preamp with vacuum tubes is an excellent upgrade for an audiophile-grade turntable setup. Some audiophiles prefer the warm, inviting sound of a preamp that uses old-school vacuum tube technology. And some preamps offer a built-in subsonic filter that eliminates distracting low-frequency “rumble.”
Adjusting The Tonearm And Cartridge For Optimal Sound
In addition to the above methods, another way to optimize the sound from your Audio Technica turntable is by adjusting the tonearm and cartridge. The tonearm is responsible for holding the cartridge and stylus in place and moving them across the record.
To adjust the tonearm, start by making sure that it’s balanced properly. This means that the tonearm should be parallel to the record when it’s hovering over it, with the stylus just barely touching the surface. If the tonearm is not balanced properly, it can cause the stylus to skip or damage your records.
Once you’ve balanced the tonearm, you can adjust the tracking force. The tracking force is the amount of pressure that the stylus exerts on the record as it plays. Too little tracking force can cause distortion and skipping, while too much tracking force can damage your records.
To adjust the tracking force, consult your cartridge’s manual for the recommended range of tracking force. Then, use a tracking force gauge to set the correct amount of pressure.
You can also adjust the alignment of your cartridge for optimal sound. The alignment refers to how the stylus is positioned in relation to the grooves of the record. Proper alignment ensures that the stylus is able to accurately track the grooves and reproduce sound as intended.
To align your cartridge, you’ll need a protractor specifically designed for turntables. Follow the instructions provided with your protractor to align your cartridge correctly.
By adjusting the tonearm and cartridge, you can ensure that your Audio Technica turntable is producing optimal sound quality and volume.
Upgrading Your Speakers For Better Audio Quality
Upgrading your speakers can also significantly improve the audio quality of your Audio Technica turntable. When it comes to speakers, there are two main factors to consider: sensitivity and power handling.
Sensitivity refers to how efficiently a speaker converts power into sound. Speakers with higher sensitivity require less power to produce the same volume as speakers with lower sensitivity. This means that by upgrading to speakers with higher sensitivity, you’ll be able to get more volume out of your turntable without having to upgrade any other components in your setup.
Power handling refers to how much power a speaker can handle without being damaged. If you have a more powerful receiver or amplifier, you may want to consider upgrading to speakers with a higher power handling capability.
When choosing new speakers, it’s important to consider the size of your room and your personal preferences for sound quality. Bookshelf speakers are a popular choice for turntable setups because they’re compact and can be placed on bookshelves or stands. Floor-standing speakers are larger and provide more bass, but they also take up more space.
Some popular speaker brands for turntable setups include Klipsch, Polk Audio, and ELAC. Be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you’re getting the best possible sound quality for your budget.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Low Volume On Your Turntable
If you’re experiencing low volume from your Audio Technica turntable, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you identify and fix the issue:
1. Check for a Built-In Preamp
If your Audio Technica turntable has a PHONO output, it means that it requires a preamplifier to boost the signal to a level that can be heard through your speakers. Make sure that you have a preamp connected to your turntable and that it is turned on.
2. Check the Cartridge
A faulty or worn-out cartridge can also cause low volume on your turntable. Make sure that the cartridge is properly aligned and that the stylus is clean and free of dust or debris. If you’ve been using the same cartridge for a long time, consider replacing it with one that has a higher output level.
3. Check the Phono Preamp
If you have a standalone phono preamp, make sure that it is connected properly and that the gain is set high enough to provide adequate volume. If you’re still not getting enough volume, consider upgrading to a preamp with higher gain.
4. Check the Receiver/Amplifier
Make sure that your receiver or amplifier is set up properly and that all connections are secure. If you’re still not getting enough volume, consider upgrading to a more powerful receiver or amplifier.
5. Check the Speakers
If none of the above troubleshooting tips work, consider upgrading to speakers with higher sensitivity. Speakers with higher sensitivity require less power to produce the same volume as speakers with lower sensitivity.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you should be able to identify and fix any issues with low volume on your Audio Technica turntable.
