Phonograph Volume v.s. Radio Volume

3/30/1999 2:59:22 PMKevin Kerr

I have a Pacard Bell Stereo with a solid state amp and a tube multiplex receiver. The receiver plays great on AM and FM with the volume set
at about 3 on a scale of 10, but when I use the turn table I have to turn the volume up all the way to ten to get the same output. I have had
other systems that do about the same thing. What's that all about?

3/31/1999 11:35:03 AMDave

: I have a Pacard Bell Stereo with a solid state amp and a tube multiplex receiver. The receiver plays great on AM and FM with the volume set
: at about 3 on a scale of 10, but when I use the turn table I have to turn the volume up all the way to ten to get the same output. I have had
: other systems that do about the same thing. What's that all about?

There is a difference in input impedance between the turntable and the other inputs..
on most amps you'll have different inputs and one should be set up to accept the phono.
Also, i think receivers, tape, and cd inputs ride on a 1 volt dc input and the turntable operates on an extremly tiny voltage generated by a vibrating crystal.
The others may have built in preamps and the phone does not.

3/31/1999 9:01:24 PMWarren Parks

: : I have a Pacard Bell Stereo with a solid state amp and a tube multiplex receiver. The receiver plays great on AM and FM with the volume set

: : at about 3 on a scale of 10, but when I use the turn table I have to turn the volume up all the way to ten to get the same output. I have had

: : other systems that do about the same thing. What's that all about?

Kevin-

There should be a special phono input on your amp (sometimes two- one for crystal cartridges, one for magnetic) These inputs are far more sensitive than the other audio inputs. If you amp does not have such inputs, you will need to purchase a phono preamp. This is a small amp module that plugs in between the record player and amp. They are usually reasonably priced at outfits like Radio Shack. This will not only amplify the phono signal, but will greatly improve the audio quality as well.

-Warren Parks

Check out my Antique Radio Restoration Page at: http://www.verinet.com/~park7963/radio.html