Two things: Is your cartridge a moving magnet or at least a high output moving coil?
Secondly, are you aware of the mute switch which is pushed in while the unit is not playing, but must be out when playing music? I've owned both an Audible Illusions 2D and 3A for many years. It's also been about 10 years since I've owned one. What I just wrote about the mute switch maybe just the opposite.
The AI's are very long lasting units if you use the AI tubes. It is also a very good sounding unit with phono built in.
Bob