Most of today’s digital stereo receivers are not designed to be turntable-friendly. Although they lack inputs and switches labeled ‘phono’, modern digital receivers can still be used with vintage turntables, usually with addition of a phono preamplifier.
Instructions
1. Check the phono cartridge on your turntable to make sure the stylus is intact and the output leads are all plugged into the terminals on the cartridge head assembly. Adjust the stylus weight and anti-skate setting to about 1.5 grams.
2. Plug the twin cable plugs from your turntable into your digital receiver's input terminals marked ‘AUX.’ If your receiver doesn't have those terminals available, use any other vacant pair of inputs, such as ‘TAPE’ or ‘TV.’ Switch the receiver input to the setting that matches the terminals where you plugged in the turntable.
3. Turn on the power to the turntable and receiver and try playing a record. If the volume and sound quality are good, you’re all set. However, if very little volume comes out of the speakers, your receiver doesn’t have a ‘phono preamplifier’ which is the usually case. If no sound comes from your speakers, the problem is most likely a defective phono cartridge.
4. Buy a replacement phono cartridge if you get absolutely no sound out of your system when trying to play a record. Most discount electronic stores have a small selection of phono cartridges. For a good selection of cartridges, you will probably have to shop internet sources.
5. Shop for a 'phono preamp' if your records are playing at very low volume. Phono preamps are available at some music and record stores, some electronics dealers and on internet vendor sites. You may not be pleased with a lower priced unit, so buy at least a medium priced unit.
6. Install the preamplifier, which can be a small box the size of a pack of cigarettes, or a full size component. Plug the turntable output cables into the input receptacles on the phono preamp. Plug the output cables from the preamp into the 'AUX' input receptacles or other available inputs on your digital receiver and switch the receiver to that input.
7. Power up your turntable, preamplifier and digital receiver and play a record. You should now have great sounds coming from your vintage turntable.
Tags: digital receiver, from your, phono cartridge, your turntable, doesn have, input receptacles