2. amps-preamps
  3. 1261675658

Weak ROTEL phono section

Hi all,
Have a Rotel rc1090 preamp...former top of the line...with balanced ins/outs.
Despite using a very powerful 6.5mv cartridge, the output seems a weak and flat. The volume knob on the Rotel has to go far (almost 2 or 3 o'clock) on some recordings to get a satisfactory volume.
I have no problem with cd playback, plenty of power using that input.
I'm using the Rotel with a McIntosh 252 amp. Again, sounds great(and powerful) with CDs.
Any insights or advice greatly appreciated.
Andrew
dordevic

Showing 3 responses by dordevic

dordevic OP
11 posts
 
Hi Zormi,
Can I ask you...are you using the Rotel with the balanced outputs to your amp or the RCA outputs? Wondering if related to this.
All my wiring is correct and I don't think it's the cartridge.
Thank you much for your advice.
Andrew
dordevic OP
11 posts
 
Thank you for these excellent, helpful posts.

I think you're both right, but I don't know, having to put the volume at 3 o'clock with such a "hot" cartridge doesn't quite add up.

I'm not expecting "cd volume" but a little more would help.
dordevic OP
11 posts
 
Thanks all.
Thanks Almarg,
I'm wondering if an outboard phono preamp might help. Success would depend on whether the phono output is higher than that of the Rotel.
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