Why is my level so low? Technic sp10 Mk2A + Marantz SR-63

[radenvelope]

Hello hello,
I know this is probably a simple issue but I could use a little help.
I have a Technic SP10 Mk2a turntable with an Audio Technica ATP-12T tone arm, with a Stanton 681SE cartridge. It is plugged into a Marantz SR-63 receiver into the phono inputs. The level is very low, and the volume has to be almost all the way up to hear anything. I was under the impression because this receiver has a phono preamp I was good, but the signal coming from the turnable is obviously not hot enough. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance! <3

 

[the_nines]

Are you experiencing the same problem with other inputs (CD, TAPE, etc..)?

Welcome to AK!

 

[radenvelope]

nope, other input sources coming in just fine.

 

[the_nines]

If you can't try another turntable, you'll have to work backwards from cartridge to amp.

Make sure cartridge is ok.
Make sure the headshell wiring is ok.
Make sure the tonearm wiring is ok.
Make sure the RCA cabling from tonearm to the turntable is ok, including making sure the little plug contacts both on the arm and on the cable are clean. (attached pic from the web, should be basically the same as what you have on your arm. Make sure this cable is working fine.)

If you have checked the above and all is fine, then the problem lies with the phono section of the Marantz (which I doubt, but don't rule out).

 

[majick47]

Your Marantz receiver is AV and even if functioning properly isn't anywhere near the same level as your SP-10Mk2A and AT-ATP12T tonearm. I'd dig into the SR-63 owners manual to see if you can figure out what control/adjustment is causing the low volume. If you can get your hands on a decent vintage ANALOG receiver it will be a big step up. Most AV receivers if they have a phono section it is an afterthought and usually poorly done. The table/tonearm deserve much better.

 

[radenvelope]

Thanks for the info guys!
@the_nines I will check all of what you have mentioned! thanks!

@majick47 yeah, I was thinking this may be the issue. I got this particular receiver for a rly good price, but I knew it was definitely not as nice as my table. Any recommendations for a decent analog receiver that won't make me go broker? Would $300 or less do me any good, or am I dreaming?

 

[majick47]

$300 should get you a decent analog receiver or an intergrated preamp/amplifier. Check your local Craigslist or sign up for AKs Barter Town, maybe a member close by to you has just what you need for your budget. I still keep my vintage Onkyo TX-4500MkII analog receiver that sounds very good on phono.

 

[Ken Boyd]

Or you could always buy a inexpensive phono amp and use one of the AUX inputs. If it comes out loud and clear, then its your built in phono amp, if it is still quiet then its somewhere in the table or cabling.