Which part is bottleneck in my system?

[eemrcag]

Hi All,

Recently i set up a system for my record player which is,

1- Audio-technica at-lp120-usb record player
2- Yamaha CR-820 Stereo Receiver
3- Klipsch Kg 4.2 stereo speakers

I have connected them with banana plugs etc,
The problem is , even i believe all my parts are very good, the sound does not amaze me. It is not like wow.
I believe it should be much more better. My record player and speakers are also good i believe.

So i need your opinion. Which part might cause the not very good sound? Should i get a better receiver (maybe more powerful) or should i change my speakers?

Thanks for your help

 

[woodj]

What's your room like? That can be a factor.

 

[darkblue94]

Both the Yamaha Cr-820 and the Klipsch KG4.2 could benefit from a fresh recapping. While you're at it get Crite's titanium tweeter diaphragms for the KG4.2, definite improvement there, as for the turntable, that's a repeal-and-replace situation right there.

 

[davidb1]

Suggest send a email here for info on current starter packages. An investment for a lifetime.

http://vinylnirvana.com/vintage-turntables-for-sale/starter-package-thorens-td-145-mkii-turntable/

 

[BOUXY]

TT needs to be replaced!

 

[davidb1]

Another option, if you are near a major US city, is to invest $25 to join AK as a Subscriber. You will then have access to Bartertown, where you can find great tables for a much lesser amount than VN as suggested above.

 

[AudioSoul]

What cartridge are you using on your turntable. Cartridges and speakers influence the sound of a vinyl system more then anything else. Then I would look into refurbing the speaker crossovers and recapping the receiver. All very nice equipment. If you want to spend more I would replace the turntable first. What you have is very entry level....

 

[Johnny_Law]

Your integrated amp and speakers are excellent. I agree with @BOUXY but I think you could perform a tweak to save it.

The AT-LP120 turntable is configured to pass all signals through a part of the internal pre-amp section. This means that, even if you have switched the internal pre-amp off, the signal goes through several capacitors on its way to your amp.

The solution is to bypass the pre-amp by re-wiring it internally. It's really very easy if you can solder and it cleans up the sound considerably. After you do this, you will hear the music as if a blanket has been removed from your speakers.

There are a few threads on AK about it - but I'm not sure how many still have working pictures. Here's one: http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/at-lp120-tweaks-in-pictures-part-i.554885/

Here's a pic from when I did mine (I'm holding the new ground wire). If you have any specific questions about how to do this, please just ask.

(Another amusing element of this procedure is that in disassembly, you'll discover that most of the weight of the turntable comes from a metal plate installed in the base, as opposed to a heavy platter like Audio Technica may have hoped you assumed.)

 

[gdmoore28]

Try your system with another source. For instance, a CD player. If it still sounds sub-par, then the problem lies in either the receiver or the speakers.

GeeDeeEmm

 

[eemrcag]

What's your room like? That can be a factor.

Hi , My room is not that small but usable sections are not variable to set up a system. I have drawn a sketch for my room. S for speaker and arrows shows the directions of the speakers. I cant use those empty areas as they are either balcony or fireplace etc. I am not comfortable to place my speakers like that L shaped but couldn't find any other placement for now.Thanks

 

[eemrcag]

Your integrated amp and speakers are excellent. I agree with @BOUXY but I think you could perform a tweak to save it.

The AT-LP120 turntable is configured to pass all signals through a part of the internal pre-amp section. This means that, even if you have switched the internal pre-amp off, the signal goes through several capacitors on its way to your amp.

The solution is to bypass the pre-amp by re-wiring it internally. It's really very easy if you can solder and it cleans up the sound considerably. After you do this, you will hear the music as if a blanket has been removed from your speakers.

There are a few threads on AK about it - but I'm not sure how many still have working pictures. Here's one: http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/at-lp120-tweaks-in-pictures-part-i.554885/

Here's a pic from when I did mine (I'm holding the new ground wire). If you have any specific questions about how to do this, please just ask.

(Another amusing element of this procedure is that in disassembly, you'll discover that most of the weight of the turntable comes from a metal plate installed in the base, as opposed to a heavy platter like Audio Technica may have hoped you assumed.)

Hi Johnny, It absolutely makes sense and i will definitely try it as well. That ground cable, have you added it externally? As my does not have any ground cable i think. I will let you know when i am done or any question. Thanks for that great info again

 

[eemrcag]

What cartridge are you using on your turntable. Cartridges and speakers influence the sound of a vinyl system more then anything else. Then I would look into refurbing the speaker crossovers and recapping the receiver. All very nice equipment. If you want to spend more I would replace the turntable first. What you have is very entry level....

Hi, I am using the default cartridge which comes with my turntable. I think it is not the best but quite good for that turntable. It might be another option to upgrade my cartridge as well but i am not sure if it is the problem.As you say my turntable is entry level, so if the receiver and speakers are good then upgrading my turntable might be an option as you suggest. The thing is i was thinking with all my system i would be able to get better sound actually which is not the case right now. It seems like not even CD quality.

 

[eemrcag]

Try your system with another source. For instance, a CD player. If it still sounds sub-par, then the problem lies in either the receiver or the speakers.

GeeDeeEmm

Hi, thanks for the answer. I will try it for sure once i find a CD player or something.

 

[eemrcag]

TT needs to be replaced!

Sorry i dont know what is TT i am kind of newbie with all these

 

[Johnny_Law]

Hi Johnny, It absolutely makes sense and i will definitely try it as well. That ground cable, have you added it externally? As my does not have any ground cable i think. I will let you know when i am done or any question. Thanks for that great info again

Yes, you must add the new ground cable. I used 12 ga stranded copper wire.

A disclaimer, of course, your internal pre-amp will no longer be hooked up. This is easy to reverse if you ever decide to sell it and wish to enable the internal pre-amp again.

 

[J English]

From what you have drawn, room acoustics and speaker placement are pretty sub-optimal. You might do some experiments there. Bypassing the internal turntable pre-amp is a good idea for sure. A better cartridge would be the next step I would take. Lots of inexpensive good choices there. I like the entry level Grado and Ortofon cartridges, Audio-Technica also has many good choices. Good luck!

 

[Funky54]

I realize you shared that the placement of the speakers in the room are fixed and that you dont have options. I would try to move the speakers if there is any clever way of doing it? Where you listen needs to be between the two speakers turned toward you. That's a basic must. About how many feet away from the speakers can you sit? Maybe put how many feet each wall is?

 

[BOUXY]

Sorry i dont know what is TT i am kind of newbie with all these

TT means Turntable