Muffled phono stage

[CletePurcel]

I just acquired a John Shearne Phase 2 amp. It has an input marked aux/phono on the back.

When I plug my moving magnet cart RP6 into this input the sound is muffled, bass is exaggerated and there is practically no treble.

I understand that these amps were fitted with optional mm or mc stages. Could it be that this is a mc stage so I need an mc cart? Using a mm phono preamp into a line input sounds fine.

 

[davedotco]

I just acquired a John Shearne Phase 2 amp. It has an input marked aux/phono on the back.

When I plug my moving magnet cart RP6 into this input the sound is muffled, bass is exaggerated and there is practically no treble.

I understand that these amps were fitted with optional mm or mc stages. Could it be that this is a mc stage so I need an mc cart? Using a mm phono preamp into a line input sounds fine.

If that is the case then it will be very loud at low settings of the volume control, is it?

 

[Al ears]

I just acquired a John Shearne Phase 2 amp. It has an input marked aux/phono on the back.

When I plug my moving magnet cart RP6 into this input the sound is muffled, bass is exaggerated and there is practically no treble.

I understand that these amps were fitted with optional mm or mc stages. Could it be that this is a mc stage so I need an mc cart? Using a mm phono preamp into a line input sounds fine.

If that is the case then it will be very loud at low settings of the volume control, is it?

It's quite possible that neither optional phono stages were ever fitted and it is still a line level input.

Try plugging your phono preamp into it.

 

[CletePurcel]

If I plug the turntable into a line input there is sound, but it is very low and I have to crank the volume up. It sounds different to when I put it through the phono input. I think the phono input is knackered. The volume is fine, but it sounds awful.

 

[Al ears]

If I plug the turntable into a line input there is sound, but it is very low and I have to crank the volume up. It sounds different to when I put it through the phono input. I think the phono input is knackered. The volume is fine, but it sounds awful.

Quite possibly, it may also be that there is indeed a MC preamp module fitted, although it shouldn't sound really useful.

Perhaps you could send it off to Shearne Audio for a check-over.

 

[CletePurcel]

I think Shearne are long out of business.

 

[lindsayt]

Something's very wrong here. Try a different amplifer.

 

[Al ears]

I think Shearne are long out of business.

If that's the case any decent Hi-Fi repairer should be able to determine the phonograph module fitted and test it.

 

[CletePurcel]

Something's very wrong here. Try a different amplifer.

It sounds dull and lots of bass. No top end at all. Like the tweeters have blown.

The amp sounds great using the other inputs with a phono preamp. It is just this one input.

 

[drummerman]

Something's very wrong here. Try a different amplifer.

It sounds dull and lots of bass. No top end at all. Like the tweeters have blown.

The amp sounds great using the other inputs with a phono preamp. It is just this one input.

Sorry to hear that. I never used mine with a TT at the time and I can't even remember what module, if any at all, was fitted so can't really advise. I feel somewhat bad as I have suggested it to you in the first place.

Did you buy the amplifer privatly or from a retailer? - As has been mentioned, I would take the amplifier to a reputable hifi/dealer/repairer and get the input checked, depending on cost. - Failing that you could sell the amplifier on, there should be plenty of interest but you'd probably have to mention the fault if indeed is one in the interest of fairness. Hopefully you will not loose any money.

 

[CletePurcel]

No problem Drummerman. I went to my local hifi shop today and they said they could have a look at it. It does work and sounds great with the valve preamp so I am not too disappointed. I am just curious as to whether it has the mc stage. The previous owner couldn't remember as he didn't use a turntable.

 

[drummerman]

No problem Drummerman. I went to my local hifi shop today and they said they could have a look at it. It does work and sounds great with the valve preamp so I am not too disappointed. I am just curious as to whether it has the mc stage. The previous owner couldn't remember as he didn't use a turntable.

Glad to hear it. I very much enjoyed mine and hope you do too.

 

[Al ears]

No problem Drummerman. I went to my local hifi shop today and they said they could have a look at it. It does work and sounds great with the valve preamp so I am not too disappointed. I am just curious as to whether it has the mc stage. The previous owner couldn't remember as he didn't use a turntable.

Glad to hear it. I very much enjoyed mine and hope you do too.

Hopefully it will not cost too much to determine nature of phono stage. Even if it is defective you have a class amplifier. Well suggested drummerman.

 

[drummerman]

Any update on your phono stage?

 

[CletePurcel]

I just snagged a John Shearne phono stage from eBay so I am going to fit that and see what happens.