Are you experiencing low volume levels on your turntable?
Are you wondering why your record player sounds quieter than your CD player?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people face this issue and it can be frustrating to deal with.
But fear not, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll go over some of the possible reasons for a quiet turntable and how to solve these issues.
From preamp and amplifier problems to cartridge issues, we’ll cover it all.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of turntable troubleshooting.
Why Does My Turntable Sound Quiet
There are several reasons why your turntable may sound quiet. One of the most common reasons is an issue with the preamp and amplifier. It’s important to check that everything is set up correctly in this regard. If everything is set up correctly, then it’s likely one of the other causes mentioned below.
Another possible reason for a low volume on your turntable could be due to the type of cartridge you’re using. Moving coil (MC) cartridges output a much lower signal than moving magnet (MM) cartridges and need even more amplification to reach line level. If you have an MC cartridge, make sure your preamp is set to MC. However, MC cartridges are only common on very expensive high-end turntables, so this is very rarely the cause of the problem.
It’s also important to note that vinyl records have natural limitations on how loud they can be pressed before the needle has difficulty tracking the record. This is due to the mastering techniques used on analog recordings versus digital recordings. Digital recordings have a higher maximum peak level and can be digitally encoded with the maximum peak amplitude. On top of this, mastering engineers will use a digital limiter to bring down peak levels before they happen and compressors to help reduce the louder peaks and raise lower volumes. This gives the mastering engineer more control of the overall volume of the track and allows them to raise the overall track volume (without exceeding 0 dB). The mastering process for vinyl records does not use nearly as much compression as a digital master, and is more focused on having a wider dynamic range at lower volumes.
If you’ve checked all of these possible causes and still can’t figure out why your turntable sounds quiet, it may be time to take it to a repair shop, assuming it is a high-quality record player. However, if it’s a cheap model, it’s usually less expensive to just buy a new one.
Understanding The Basics Of Turntable Sound Output
To understand why your turntable may sound quiet, it’s important to understand the basics of turntable sound output. Record players produce an extremely low electrical signal that needs to be amplified twice in order to be audible from your speakers. The first amplification occurs through a preamp, either internal or external, which brings the signal up to the same line level as a CD player. The second amplification occurs through an amplifier, which makes the signal audible from your speakers.
If your turntable still sounds quiet after verifying that a phono preamp is connected correctly in your system, there may be other reasons why this is happening. One possible reason is an uneven setup. When a turntable is tilted, the needle can drag on the inner walls of the record grooves and cause distortion. Using a level can make troubleshooting easy in this case.
Another possible reason for a low volume on your turntable could be due to a faulty or worn-out cartridge. If you have used the cartridge for quite some time, it is possible that the needle has gathered dust or has other defects like scratches, which affects its output. A second method to fix the cartridge issue is to replace the cartridge with an output level that is double its current output level.
It’s also important to note that mixing up cable outputs and inputs can lead to bad sound, with either a boost in sound level or a notably quiet playback level being the result. Not having the turntable plugged into an amp with a phono input will usually result in a very weak or quiet sound. On the flipside, if your turntable has a built-in phono stage and is hooked up to the phono input on an amp, the result will be a loud and distorted sound as the signal is being boosted twice.
The Role Of Preamps And Amplifiers In Turntable Volume
The preamp and amplifier play a crucial role in the volume of your turntable. The output signal from a turntable is naturally very low, and without proper amplification, you may only hear sound coming from the stylus itself. To boost the signal of your turntable to what is referred to as Line Level, a preamp is required. Preamps come in two forms, internal (built-in) and external. Some turntables, such as the Fluance Classic and Elite models, feature a built-in preamp, while others, such as the Reference series, do not. This allows for the purest path from the stylus to the audio output and allows you to use a preamp of your preference.
If you’re connecting your turntable to an amplifier or receiver, you may find there is a preamp built into it. You can confirm this by checking the user manual for your receiver or amplifier or if there is a specific PHONO input. If you use this input with a turntable that already has a built-in preamp, be sure to bypass the built-in preamp by switching from Line to Phono on the back of the turntable.
It’s important to note that not all amplifiers have the same gain, which can affect the volume level of your turntable. If you’re experiencing low volume, try adjusting the gain on your amplifier or consider upgrading to an amplifier with higher gain.
Common Preamp And Amplifier Problems And How To Fix Them
One of the most common reasons for a quiet turntable is an issue with the preamp and amplifier. Make sure to check that everything is set up correctly in this regard. Mixing up cable outputs and inputs can lead to bad sound, with either a boost in sound level or a notably quiet playback level being the result. Not having the turntable plugged into an amp with a phono input will usually result in a very weak or quiet sound. On the flipside, if your turntable has a built-in phono stage and is hooked up to the phono input on an amp, the result will be a loud and distorted sound as the signal is being boosted twice.
To fix these issues, make sure that the output from your turntable is correctly pre-amplified. If you have a built-in preamp, it should be set to “phono” with the RCA cables plugged into the “phono” input on your receiver. If you have RCA cables plugged into an Aux input, then you would put the built-in preamp on the “line” setting. If your turntable doesn’t have a built-in phono stage, you’ll need a separate phono preamp (or a receiver/amplifier with a phono input) to correctly channel the signal.
In some rare cases, if the sound is still way too low after verifying that a phono preamp is connected correctly in your system, it might be because your turntable cartridge is an MC type and your preamp is set up to work with an MM cartridge. MC cartridges output a much lower signal than MM cartridges and need even more amplification to reach line level. It is often a switch on the preamp that selects between MC and MM.
By following these steps and checking for common preamp and amplifier problems, you can hopefully figure out why your turntable sounds quiet and fix the issue.
Cartridge Issues And Their Impact On Turntable Volume
Another possible cause of low volume on your turntable could be a problem with the cartridge. Over time, cartridges can wear out or become damaged, leading to a decrease in volume. One common issue is a faulty or worn-out needle, which can gather dust or become scratched, affecting its output. To check if this is the issue, inspect the surface of the cartridge and replace it if necessary. However, be sure to check that the cartridge is the problem before replacing it by testing it on a different turntable or amplifier.
Another issue that can impact turntable volume is a loose connection between the cartridge and its needle. If this is the case, only one channel of sound may be heard. Replacing the cartridge with a new one is one possible solution, but it’s important to eliminate other possible causes first, such as a bad phono stage or RCA jack. It’s also possible that the cartridge isn’t correctly aligned, which can lead to muffled sound, distortion, unequal channel balance, harshness, or softness. Check the wiring and connection to the headshell pins and consider realigning the cartridge if necessary.
Tips For Maintaining Optimal Turntable Performance And Sound Quality
To maintain optimal turntable performance and sound quality, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to ensure that your turntable is level. This is one of the most basic steps of setup, and it’s important to get it right. You can try doing it by eye, but a bubble level is much better. Just place the level on your platter and move the turntable so that it’s horizontal. If it doesn’t have adjustable feet, use coins or even a pad of post-it notes to get it right.
Another important factor to consider is the speed accuracy of your turntable. Even slight issues with speed accuracy can be audible, and this can be caused by many factors such as mechanical issues, loose belts or incorrect motor speed. To check this, you can use an app like RPM (iOS) or a test record that plays tones you can measure with software like Audacity. If these tests show that your platter speed is off, you can fine-tune the motor speed or replace a worn-out belt to make that adjustment.
It’s also important to consider the condition of your vinyl records. If a record has significant groove wear or scratches, no amount of cleaning will rescue the sound quality. Sometimes, the issue is with the pressing or mastering of the record itself. Mastering for vinyl is a very specific skill that requires years of experience to perfect. If the parameters and quirks of vinyl are not taken into consideration during the mastering and cutting of a vinyl record, audio issues can occur.
To keep your records in good condition, get yourself a dust brush to remove surface dust from records before you play them. The best brushes have carbon fiber bristles, so they remove static electricity along with the dust, instead of building up static like those old record brushes did. AudioQuest and Pro-Ject make good carbon fiber brushes.
Lastly, when playing a record, make sure it lies flat against the turntable by ensuring your record player is level with the floor. Keeping it off at a slight angle can cause tracking force to fluctuate, potentially damaging or morphing the disc. Most record players come with adjustable legs to help you find that perfect balance. Even if the surface appears flat, use a spirit level to be sure.
By following these tips for maintaining optimal turntable performance and sound quality, you can ensure that your vinyl records sound their best every time you play them.
