All,
Last evening I went for broke (literally..) in trying to solve the low phono output. I looked at the mute switch - there was one under the phono arm mechanism as you all had predicted. However, it looked like someone had bent the contacts way out of shape in order to completely bypass it (perhaps Im not the first one whom is trying to fix this issue ??). I therefore completely removed it, and directly connected the phono cartridge output to the shielded input wires.
I then went about removing R8. Upon doing so, the resistor crumbled...Irregardless, I tried to play a record. It still sounded just about the same.
I then connected the shielded wire directly to the volume control. While it did sound a little louder, the sound quality was much better (it doesn't sound like you have a paper tube up to your ear so much). While I am still not thrilled about it; it surely is an improvement. So, for the time being, I completely bypassed R8, R15, and C4. I suppose that C4 is where my crappy hollow tube sound is coming from ?
I am still open to suggestions. I really don't think I can do much better cartridge wise ? Do you all think it is a possibility that perhaps one of my tubes is bad ? Keep in mind though, that AM will get VERY loud...

Thanks again for all of your time !
Steve

:All,
: Last evening I went for broke (literally..) in trying to solve the low phono output. I looked at the mute switch - there was one under the phono arm mechanism as you all had predicted. However, it looked like someone had bent the contacts way out of shape in order to completely bypass it (perhaps Im not the first one whom is trying to fix this issue ??). I therefore completely removed it, and directly connected the phono cartridge output to the shielded input wires.
: I then went about removing R8. Upon doing so, the resistor crumbled...Irregardless, I tried to play a record. It still sounded just about the same.
: I then connected the shielded wire directly to the volume control. While it did sound a little louder, the sound quality was much better (it doesn't sound like you have a paper tube up to your ear so much). While I am still not thrilled about it; it surely is an improvement. So, for the time being, I completely bypassed R8, R15, and C4. I suppose that C4 is where my crappy hollow tube sound is coming from ?
: I am still open to suggestions. I really don't think I can do much better cartridge wise ? Do you all think it is a possibility that perhaps one of my tubes is bad ? Keep in mind though, that AM will get VERY loud...
:
:Thanks again for all of your time !
: Steve

After hearing of your final evaluaton of direct phono input right into the p[oint that AM radio info would be injected, looks like you are up into either the location of a phono cartridge with yet higher output level or the addition of a phono preamp stage as I mentioned previously. That could be of either tube or solid state design. Also concur on "x"s comment as per the actual presence of a mute switch on your current TT in the unit, since the current TT was not original to the unit. BUT I would have not expected an AMPLIFIED output of much more than the normal chatter noise from a needle riding within a record groove, should that mute switch been closed.
The info that would be nice is to know now is actually what cartridge brand, and its number, that you have currently mounted in the tone arm, such that research can be made of its actual P/P output specs.
73's de Edd

Ed,
On there currently is an astatic 10-66.

Thanks !
Steve

:After hearing of your final evaluaton of direct phono input right into the p[oint that AM radio info would be injected, looks like you are up into either the location of a phono cartridge with yet higher output level or the addition of a phono preamp stage as I mentioned previously. That could be of either tube or solid state design. Also concur on "x"s comment as per the actual presence of a mute switch on your current TT in the unit, since the current TT was not original to the unit. BUT I would have not expected an AMPLIFIED output of much more than the normal chatter noise from a needle riding within a record groove, should that mute switch been closed.
:The info that would be nice is to know now is actually what cartridge brand, and its number, that you have currently mounted in the tone arm, such that research can be made of its actual P/P output specs.
:73's de Edd

One thing that I did note....Is that when I was testing and accidentally introduced noise into the system (eg, touching the positive with my finger), it was LOUD. Guess I am one of those electric kinda guys eh =)

-Steve

:Ed,
: On there currently is an astatic 10-66.
:
:Thanks !
: Steve
:
::After hearing of your final evaluaton of direct phono input right into the p[oint that AM radio info would be injected, looks like you are up into either the location of a phono cartridge with yet higher output level or the addition of a phono preamp stage as I mentioned previously. That could be of either tube or solid state design. Also concur on "x"s comment as per the actual presence of a mute switch on your current TT in the unit, since the current TT was not original to the unit. BUT I would have not expected an AMPLIFIED output of much more than the normal chatter noise from a needle riding within a record groove, should that mute switch been closed.
::The info that would be nice is to know now is actually what cartridge brand, and its number, that you have currently mounted in the tone arm, such that research can be made of its actual P/P output specs.
::73's de Edd

Steve,
Just a thought, but have you checked the wiring end-to-end from the cartridge output pins to the radio input, and especially thru that kill switch in the tone arm?

marv

:Ed,
: On there currently is an astatic 10-66.
:
:Thanks !
: Steve
:
::After hearing of your final evaluaton of direct phono input right into the p[oint that AM radio info would be injected, looks like you are up into either the location of a phono cartridge with yet higher output level or the addition of a phono preamp stage as I mentioned previously. That could be of either tube or solid state design. Also concur on "x"s comment as per the actual presence of a mute switch on your current TT in the unit, since the current TT was not original to the unit. BUT I would have not expected an AMPLIFIED output of much more than the normal chatter noise from a needle riding within a record groove, should that mute switch been closed.
::The info that would be nice is to know now is actually what cartridge brand, and its number, that you have currently mounted in the tone arm, such that research can be made of its actual P/P output specs.
::73's de Edd

:Steve,
:Just a thought, but have you checked the wiring end-to-end from the cartridge output pins to the radio input, and especially thru that kill switch in the tone arm?
:
:marv
:
::Ed,
:: On there currently is an astatic 10-66.
::
::Thanks !
:: Steve
::
:::After hearing of your final evaluaton of direct phono input right into the p[oint that AM radio info would be injected, looks like you are up into either the location of a phono cartridge with yet higher output level or the addition of a phono preamp stage as I mentioned previously. That could be of either tube or solid state design. Also concur on "x"s comment as per the actual presence of a mute switch on your current TT in the unit, since the current TT was not original to the unit. BUT I would have not expected an AMPLIFIED output of much more than the normal chatter noise from a needle riding within a record groove, should that mute switch been closed.
:::The info that would be nice is to know now is actually what cartridge brand, and its number, that you have currently mounted in the tone arm, such that research can be made of its actual P/P output specs.
:::73's de Edd
HI Marv
I agree, that would be my next check a continuity from end too end, that just might be where the problem is.
Mark