Low Volume from Dual Turntable (via preamp) with Cambridge Audio Amp

[Valentiaman]

I have a Dual 505 turntable (which I bought in 1985), connected to a Cambridge Audio Azur 540A amp (which I bought about 8 years ago).

The amp does not have a phono stage, so I have used both a Nad and Berhinger preamp with the Dual, plugged into the DAB inputs on the Azur (I have also tried every other input on the amp).

The volume from the turnable is low and muddy by comparison to the Sony CD player. I need to take the volume up to at least halfway, and usually 2/3rd up on the Azur to hear records. At that point, there is a noticeable hum from the speakers (I presume it's the amp).

I have had conflicting advice, from audiophile friends as to the cause. Some say the amp is the problem, and a hifi dealer told me it was the turntable (this was after I mentioned possibly buying the Rega Planar 1).

I would like to get this sorted, as I'm getting back into listening to vinyl. My speakers are Monitor Audio Bronze 2.

Any help would be welcome.

Stephen

[Smegger68]

What cartridge is fitted to the Dual?

[walpurgis]

What cartridge is in the Dual?

[Valentiaman]

Thanks guys, the cartridge is an Audio Technica 95e.

[walpurgis]

That should drive an MM input OK and any of the line level inputs on the amp should work with the phono stage. Is the stylus good? A worn stylus can reduce output.

[Valentiaman]

It's a brand new stylus and cartridge, less than a week old. I changed them both just in case that was the issue, but it sounds the same, low volume and muddy. My Sony CD player is very loud through the same amp.

(BTW Geoff, I seem to have duplicated this thread, below, and can't see how to delete it).

[walpurgis]

(BTW Geoff, I seem to have duplicated this thread, below, and can't see how to delete it).

Removed.

[struth]

The 95 only outputs 3.5mv so not the loudest cart around but saying that it shouldnt be low and muddy.. tracks at 2gm aprox and loaded on mm at 47kohm. Make sure if the pre has a mc setting or loading options that you have it on mm and 47k. Also check you have the cart leads on correctly.

[Valentiaman]

The 95 only outputs 3.5mv so not the loudest cart around but saying that it shouldnt be low and muddy.. tracks at 2gm aprox and loaded on mm at 47kohm. Make sure if the pre has a mc setting or loading options that you have it on mm and 47k. Also check you have the cart leads on correctly.

I've tried 2 preamps. The Nad is definitely on MM and the Berhingher is only MM. Tracking is at 2gm. Not sure about 47kohm, as I can't see anywhere to set that on the preamps, and I assume they are at the right levels.

[struth]

Got a feeling its not marked on cart so you will need an online diagram to show what colour goes where. Its not same as other carts, if memory serves.