I am currently putting together my old JVC sound system. I really want the record player going - a JL-A15. I have bought a new belt and needle and have 'unfrozen' the spindle. I tried to connect it to my current amplifier (Marantz) but at full volume there is only a little sound. I read somewhere that a phono player requires a pre-amp, so I pulled out the old JVC JA-s11 integrated amplifier and connected it to the phono but I still have the same problem - there is a very little sound coming from the speakers at full-volume. Any ideas?
You MUST connect it to the phono input - are you sure you're using the correct sockets on the JVC? - if you put it any other socket, it will be VERY quiet and completely lacking in bass.
What model is your Marantz?, so we can check if that has phono inputs.
Yes - I was careful to only plug it into the phono input. The Marantz doesn't have a phono input - just an aux. so I guess that's why it won't work through that amp. I will have a careful look at the JVC amp and the record player tomorrow (Australian time!)
It's dead easy to test the amp - just turn the volume right down, stick a thin screwdriver on one of the phono input sockets - place a finger on the screwdriver and turn the volume up 'slightly', there should be a loud buzz from the speaker on that channel. Then do the same on one of the Aux channels, you should only get a fairly quiet buzz from that - the difference should be absolutely HUGE.
Maybe your amp is designed for a turntable that has a built in pre amp, do you have specs for the amp.
Could also be something wrong with the carteridge in thr turntable.
It isn't, I downloaded the schematic for it (the JVC). Only a very, very, small number of units ever added phono inputs without a preamp, and most of those were modernish mini systems.
Could also be something wrong with the carteridge in thr turntable.
Unable to find a service manual online for this turntable, but...
Many turntables have a mechanical mute switch that shorts the outputs except when the tone arm is positioned such that a record would be playing. This mechanical switch may be stuck in the closed position or misadjusted so that it is not opening when it should.
Unable to find a service manual online for this turntable, but...
Many turntables have a mechanical mute switch that shorts the outputs except when the tone arm is positioned such that a record would be playing. This mechanical switch may be stuck in the closed position or misadjusted so that it is not opening when it should.
Can't dispute that as I really haven't worked on 'many'. The ones I did work on (quite a while ago) do output just a little bit even with the mute switch closed.