Being my first thread on Audiogon, I want to thank each of you for your input. I'll try all the suggestions and see if they don't resolve the problem. From what I'm reading above, it's beginning to sound like a connection problem. I'll go back, retrace and check again. I used the Technics default headshell for the 440MLa, and a Zupreme (lpgear) headshell for the 150MLx, adjusting for the weight difference; if checking the connections doesn't result in anything, I'll try loading the 150MLx on the Technics headshell (lighter weight) and see if that works. Again, thank you for the suggestions...Tony (bluedenmant)
No Sound From Cartridge Unless Volume WAY UP
Great volume out of one cartridge; no volume (to speak of) out of other; my gear setup:
Turntable: Technics SL-1210M5G
Cartridges: AT150MLX, AT440MLa
Amp: Cambridge Audio 540R
Phono Stage: Cambridge Audio 640P MM/MC
Not sure what the difference is here. Both cartridges are MM and should play fine with the Cambridge 540R/640P combination. Combpliance (re: www.cartridgedb.com) is fine for both. The AT440MLa plays fine and sounds great. I wanted to try the AT150MLX, as most people with the Technics SL=-1210M5G consider this a winning combo. I finally received the 150MLX the other day and spent a lot of time loading the cartridge to get it right and triple checked setup. I used a Mint Tractor to align everything. However, at my normal listening level, I get zero sound; I have to turn the volume all the way up (yes, as far as it will go) to get a decent, slightly loud (not ear-busting by any means) volume generated. I know the cartridge is fine for compliance;…could this be an Output (mv) problem? The 540R does a great job pushing a surround set-up, and volume is fine (like I mentioned) for the other cartridge. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated; I'm really stumped. Thank you very much.
Turntable: Technics SL-1210M5G
Cartridges: AT150MLX, AT440MLa
Amp: Cambridge Audio 540R
Phono Stage: Cambridge Audio 640P MM/MC
Not sure what the difference is here. Both cartridges are MM and should play fine with the Cambridge 540R/640P combination. Combpliance (re: www.cartridgedb.com) is fine for both. The AT440MLa plays fine and sounds great. I wanted to try the AT150MLX, as most people with the Technics SL=-1210M5G consider this a winning combo. I finally received the 150MLX the other day and spent a lot of time loading the cartridge to get it right and triple checked setup. I used a Mint Tractor to align everything. However, at my normal listening level, I get zero sound; I have to turn the volume all the way up (yes, as far as it will go) to get a decent, slightly loud (not ear-busting by any means) volume generated. I know the cartridge is fine for compliance;…could this be an Output (mv) problem? The 540R does a great job pushing a surround set-up, and volume is fine (like I mentioned) for the other cartridge. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated; I'm really stumped. Thank you very much.