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Sherwood receiver: turntable problem

C

clifton

New Member
I just bought a used Sherwood RX-4109 receiver to use with my ageing AIWA PX-E850 turntable. Also got a new needle cartridge for the turntable.

I tried plugging the turntable into the Phono input on the receiver, but the sound quality was very poor; loud, but fuzzy. As far as I can tell, they should be compatible; the cartridge is magnetic type and the receiver has a built-in phono pre-amp.

So in a spirit of adventure (and frustration), I tried the connecting the turntable to the receiver's AUX input (bad form I know). This gives a quieter signal, but much better sound quality!

So my question is, do you think the receiver has something wrong with it's Phono hook-up? Should I return it?

Thanks for all replies!!
 
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Aiwa isn't known for their turntables. Try another TT. I have a 4109 and it's a great piece of equipment and will always be there if one of my vintage decks to down. My only problem with it is it's black and doesn't go with anything I have.

I'd hate to see you have problem with your sherwood. Those are great.
 
I'm pretty sure that Aiwa has a switchable built in preamp, and it sounds like it is on right now. The switch should be either on the back or underneath the platter. Turn it off and it should work fine with the phono input on your amp.
 
I have two RX-4109's and the phono sections very good. It sure sounds like your built in preamp on the TTis on. I have a Denon DP300f turntable with a similar switch and that's how it would sound if I had the amp on and hooked it into the phono input. Be sure that amp is off!
 
Thanks for your input, folks! Much appreciated. I'll check tonight and see if I can turn off the pre-amp. I didn't realize it had either a pre-amp or a switch for it! That would make sense though; would explain why the volume level is not bad through the Aux input. I'll post again with how this works out.
 
Woohoo, it's fixed now! Just took about 20 secs. to turn off the pre-amp and re-connect to Phono input. I had noticed the switch before, but it's not labeled on the turntable. RTFM I guess. Sound quality seems a little better too than I was getting through Aux. Thanks again for everyone's help.
 
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