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How to increase volume of my turntable - pre-amp - amp setup

Hi. Good Day to you all! My first post and first visit.

I have a cheap Scott turntable equipped with a low priced Audio-Technica mm cartridge through a cheap Berhringer pre-amp into a Logitech Z-680 speaker system. I also have a CD player separately into the system.

The volume output from the speakers is markedly lower from records than from CDs. I suppose that CD medium might be a little louder (the loudness war thing?) than vinyl but this seems to be an output problem not a difference in mediums.

I would like to increase  LP volume. How can I do this? Can I get a higher output cartridge for my turntable? How about a pre-amp with higher output? The Logitech speaker system seems plenty powerful.

I've researched but can't seem to find an answer that I understand. 

Thanks!

128x128rajastrums
rajastrums's avatar
rajastrums OP
9 posts
 
czarivey & noromance thanks for the quick response!

I can change the cartridge and/or the pre-amp?
How do I evaluate output specifications? Does it matter? Assuming similar quality and, of course, higher output can I match any MM cartridge with any phono pre-amp?
reubent
6,978 posts
 
rajastrums,

A phono pre-amp is required in order to perform RIAA equalization and provide gain between the phone cartridge and the pre-amp/amp. Some pre-amps, and most receivers, have a phono stage built in. If there is not a built-in phono stage in your Scott TT (not likely) or the Berhringer pre-amp (also unlikely), you will need a phono pre-amp. Since you have a MM cartridge, you will want to get a phono pre-amp for a MM input, or one that is switchable between MM and MC. A simple MM phono cartridge will be the less expensive option.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
at this point of time, get descent phonostage first and see the effect. than you can shop for descent cartridge.
needledoctor has now deal on 2m Red with headshell $129
rajastrums's avatar
rajastrums OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for your help folks.

I think I understand that if I get a a phono preamp unit that is compatible with the type of magnetic cartridge in the turntable then all preamps will increase the signal to the same line level. Or at least any slight line level differences would be difficult for the casual listener to notice. So a different preamp might improve signal quality but not increase its level.

So it seems that what I need is something like this; https://www.amazon.com/TC-780LC-Stereo-Booster-BLACK-VERSION/dp/B000RZXAHI This component will boost the signal from the preamp on its way to the  Logitech speaker system. Other people use it for this purpose.

To me it would make sense for some company to combine the function of this box and a phono preamp into one unit. Maybe someone manufactures a component like this but i haven't found it yet.

Am I thinking about this in the right way or am I off the mark?
reubent
6,978 posts
 
No, you need a phono pre-amp to go between your turntable and your pre-amp. The output of a phono cartridge is very low relative to a "line-level" component like a CD player or tuner. The output of a phono cartridge requires special equalization, as well as gain, before it is input into a pre-amp.

You can get a phono pre-amp from Pro-Ject, NAD, Parasound, etc., for about $100 - 150. You can find cheaper on e-Bay or at Parts Express, but I don't know how well they will perform.

Once you have a phono pre-amp in the system, the output when playing records and CDs will be similar.
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