Newbie Question: Why is turntable volume so low?

Bill, when I posted, I overlooked the possibility of your turntable having a moving coil cartridge. Minkwelder asked about the cartridge type. Rodman said your Denon turntable normally comes with a DL-A100 low output cartridge moving coil (MC) cartridge. This type of cartridge has a real low output, in comparison to a regular moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

I was just guessing it had a higher output moving magnet type. But, after seeing it may have the low output DL-A100 cartridge, I'm leaning toward you needing an outboard phono preamplifier, just for the turntable with its DL-A100
cartridge.

A MM (moving coil) cartridge has a high output for a phono cartridge.

A MC (moving coil) cartridge has a low output. This appears to be the kind you have. Also, this low output type is most likely causing the low volume problem.

Your McIntosh MX-120 doesn't support the moving coil (MC), you appear to have installed in your turntable.

So, yes, I belive you do need a seperate outboard phono preamplifier, if it your Denon turntable has that Denon DL-A100 low output moving coil cartridge.

An outboard phono preamp needs to be capable of supporting a moving coil type of cartridge, since the MX-120 preamp doesn't.

Sorry for not being clear enough. I hope this helps.

I don't think anyone has mentioned this, but you don't necessarily need an outboard phono preamp. You could use a step up between the turntable and McIntosh preamp. This could be an active head unit or step up transformers. The cheapest path would probably be to try a Moving Magnet cartridge. I don't know what would go good with your arm, but Grado and Audio Technica make good entry level MM cartridges.

Ben

As Mr B mentioned; A good step-up X-former would be another way to go, without lowering the performance of which the table/cartridge combo is capable. What would be the point of buying a table listing for $2500.00, that comes with a cartridge, optimized for it's arm, and installing an entry-level transducer? The DL-A100 cart, lists for $500.00 by itself, and performs comparably with other MC carts, in that price range. The Denon 103 family of cartridges, had very nice presentation, imaging and sense of the recording venue. ( http://www.rothwellaudioproducts.co.uk/html/mc_step-up_transformers_explai.html )

Hi Guys,

First, thanks for all the advice! I contacted both Mcintosh and Denon, and they both said the same thing, the way to go would be to get a step up transformer, and they both mentioned the same one, the Denon AU-300LC. I have one on order:

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=954ff2fef8b37bc8c83c8f63a47f23d2&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=DENONAU300LC

and will let you know how it works out.

I'm pretty psyched to be back in the game!

Thanks!

Bill

Hi Guys,

Step-up purchased, installed and sounds awesome! Thanks for all the advice! More stupid questions to come from me any day now I'm sure!

Thanks,

Bill