How to get better sound from speakers/stereo amp system

[Cd7]

Hi,

I hope this post finds you well.

Earlier this month I ordered a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 Speakers.

Last week, I ordered a NAD D 3020 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier.

These items were both bought to pair up with my new PS-HX500 Sony Turntable.

Last night, I linked up the sound system with KabelDirekt Pure Copper Stereo Audio Speaker Wire.

After doing this and playing a record, I was able to hear sound coming from both Wharfedale Speakers on either side of my TV stand, however the sound was very very low and tinny.

I don't quite know what to do next as I'm very new to all of this, so would really appreciate some advice.

If anymore information is needed please ask.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Gray]

Have you got metal links fitted between two pairs of speaker terminals on each speaker?

 

[Cd7]

Yes, they are still attached as they came with the speakers already on the terminals. Is it best to remove them?

 

[Al ears]

Check the switch on the back.of your turntable, is it set to phono?
How is the turntable connected to the amp?
is that amp the original version or does it have a pair of inputs on the back called PHONO?
Do you have any other source like a CD player you could attach?
Asking as the original version of the NAD did not have an inbuilt phono stage, however your turntable does so the position of that switch on the back of it is critical. Move switch to LINE, then see what it sounds like. Turn down volume on your amp first though

 

[Cd7]

The turntable is connected via the phono cables that came with the turntable in the box and the switch is set to phono too.

I also connected my phone to the stereo amplifier via the Bluetooth setting and the speakers sounded the same also - sorry, should have put that originally!

 

[Gray]

Yes, they are still attached as they came with the speakers already on the terminals. Is it best to remove them?

No that's OK. They ensure that a single pair of wires connect to both high and low frequency drivers.
Without the links it's possible to feed only HF or LF.....was just checking you weren't just hearing tweeters 👍

 

[Edbostan]

Hi,

I hope this post finds you well.

Earlier this month I ordered a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 Speakers.

Last week, I ordered a NAD D 3020 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier.

These items were both bought to pair up with my new PS-HX500 Sony Turntable.

Last night, I linked up the sound system with KabelDirekt Pure Copper Stereo Audio Speaker Wire.

After doing this and playing a record, I was able to hear sound coming from both Wharfedale Speakers on either side of my TV stand, however the sound was very very low and tinny.

I don't quite know what to do next as I'm very new to all of this, so would really appreciate some advice.

If anymore information is needed please ask.

Thank you in advance.

I know it is basic but have you read the instruction manuals which were supplied with each component regarding how to connect them together? Go through the setup procedure again to make sure.

 

[jjbomber]

Sounds like it's set to phono output rather than line output.

 

[Al ears]

The turntable is connected via the phono cables that came with the turntable in the box and the switch is set to phono too.

I also connected my phone to the stereo amplifier via the Bluetooth setting and the speakers sounded the same also - sorry, should have put that originally!

Try change switch on turntable to Line, that is your issue I believe

 

[Gray]

If you can plug headphones into the amp, do you hear normal sound?

 

[Al ears]

Sounds like it's set to phono output rather than line output.

That's what I was saying, doesn't explain why his phone will not sound right either

 

[Gray]

....was just checking you weren't just hearing tweeters 👍

But if it's tinny with Bluetooth as well, maybe you are.
How's the headphone sound?

 

[Al ears]

But if it's tinny with Bluetooth as well, maybe you are.
How's the headphone sound?

Even if he was it shouldn't be "very, very low"

 

[Gray]

Even if he was it shouldn't be "very, very low"

You must have tried listening only to tweeters Al. With some you can hardly hear they're on.

 

[Al ears]

You must have tried listening only to tweeters Al. With some you can hardly hear they're on.

I am not saying you're wrong would just like him to get back when he has moved the switch on the back of the turntable

 

[Al ears]

Having said that the wiring on those Diamond speakers can easily be gotten wrong.
If they are new I doubt all the woofers have failed so if the OP has both metal plates still in place and has connected his cable to either the top pair or bottom pair of terminals the speakers should work.

 

[Cd7]

If you can plug headphones into the amp, do you hear normal sound?

Completely fine out of the headphones originally - I had lots of spare cable so thought I’d go back to the manuals and give it a go by just redoing it and putting the metal plates back I place, moved the switch to line and back to phono (after trying line also), it’s worked!

Anyway, big thanks for the advice everyone - don’t know what I did wrong the first time but appreciate everything that was said, I’m sat listening to Alanis Morissette very happily on vinyl right now!

 

[bigfish786]

Is listening to Alanis morissette happily an oxymoron?