Newbie Question: Why is turntable volume so low?

"I'm just worried that if the volume is at 40, and someone changes to a digital input without turning the volume down first, I'll damage my B&W’s.”

Hi Bill, just a heads up:
It’s a good practice to always rest the volume at its lowest setting after use. And after making sure it’s still set that way, the volume should be the last control engaged when starting up.

Bill, I guess my post from yesterday is not going to show up. I don't think your MX-120 is compatible with your present cartridge.

Rodman pointed out that you may have the DL-A100, which is a *low* output moving coil (MC) cartridge. This is most likely the cause of the low volume problem, due to its low output, if that is what's in your turntable.

There's a lot of difference in the output level/voltage between a moving coil (MC) cartridge, and a moving magnet (MM) cartridge.

The moving coil (MC) is a *low* output. I think this is what you have in your turntable and, most likely the problem. This type would need a separate phono preamp to work with your MX-120.

The moving magnet (MM) is a *high* output cartridge. This type of cartridge should work with your MX-120 with no problem.

I'm leaning toward you either need to get an extra outboard phono preamp for your present turntable/cartridge setup to work. This extra phono preamp would have to work with a low output moving coil (MC) cartridge, like the DL-A100, that may be in your turntable.

The other option would be to get a moving magnet (MM) high output cartridge, that should work with the MX-120's built in phono section.

I should have been more clear. I hope this helps.

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 )