Trouble with Linn Axis via phono

[Fatfreddy]

Hi there, I recently bought a refurbished Linn Axis, I didn't have an amp with phono like I thought I did, so just temporarily today I bought a second hand Sony Intergrated Amplifier TA-F245R. It said it had Phono and even the chap in shop agreed it would work. It wasn't anything long term but atleast I would be able to play for now. Just connected and nothing, but when checking the connections sound did for a split second come out of one speaker.
Have I made an error setting up the Linn? I thought it was just a case of plug in and away, have I made a mistake in choosing this amp?
Any advice, help or anything anyone could suggest I would be sincerely grateful. Thank you. James

 

[Gray]

...when checking the connections sound did for a split second come out of one speaker.

That needs further testing / investigation.
It's always a logical process of elimination - find out what actually works, then you end up knowing what doesn't.

Start by rechecking all connections.
Then go from there....testing other inputs, reversing channels etc.

You say the Linn is refurbished. Have you heard it working anywhere?
Was the Sony sold as a working amp?

 

[Fatfreddy]

That needs further testing / investigation.
It's always a logical process of elimination - find out what actually works, then you end up knowing what doesn't.

Start by rechecking all connections.
Then go from there....testing other inputs, reversing channels etc.

You say the Linn is refurbished. Have you heard it working anywhere?
Was the Sony sold as a working amp?

The Linn was from a good second hand specialist who sell music equipment, but no I didn't see working and that worries me now. It powers up fine, there is just the two red/white connectors and a earth wire which I connected to the Sony. I just tested the other outputs on the Sony and they work fine, when I had set up and started the vinyl, a bit of pressure on the Sony and a split second of sound came out as when I pulled out slightly the red, white cable. It seems all works but perhaps I'm not doing things correctly?
I think first thing Monday I will contact the store and ask them about it, history, what they know. Thank you ever so much for helping though, I do appreciate it.

 

[Gray]

Thank you ever so much for helping though, I do appreciate it.

You're more than welcome for any help James, but you haven't actually had any yet .

You said you'd tested 'the other outputs on the Sony'. Presumably you mean its inputs.
....So you've got consistent sound from the Sony to both of your speakers when using input(s) other than the one marked 'Phono'.

I'm also assuming that you haven't got another turntable to test the Sony's phono inputs with.

I expect the red and white plugs on the turntable cable are the molded (slightly flexible) plastic type.
From what you've said, I think that's where the intermittency is likely to be.
If the previous owner severely bent / stretched the cable just about where it enters the plug's strain relief.....he could have caused your problem.

Usually, you'd expect only one channel to be intermittent - but as you had no sound until you moved the plugs - maybe there has been enough rough treatment to result in both red and white being intermittent .

If the secondhand dealer tells you Monday that he heard the turntable working, it's possible that he did. That's the problem with intermittent faults.
It's also not impossible - though most unlikely that your amp is the problem.

It probably only needs the existing plugs to be removed and for a couple of RCA plugs to be soldered on - once the cables have been made a few inches shorter.

(Say roughly where you're located James and I might be able give some actual help in finding / curing your problem).

 

[Fatfreddy]

You're more than welcome for any help James, but you haven't actually had any yet .

You said you'd tested 'the other outputs on the Sony'. Presumably you mean its inputs.
....So you've got consistent sound from the Sony to both of your speakers when using input(s) other than the one marked 'Phono'.

I'm also assuming that you haven't got another turntable to test the Sony's phono inputs with.

I expect the red and white plugs on the turntable cable are the molded (slightly flexible) plastic type.
From what you've said, I think that's where the intermittency is likely to be.
If the previous owner severely bent / stretched the cable just about where it enters the plug's strain relief.....he could have caused your problem.

Usually, you'd expect only one channel to be intermittent - but as you had no sound until you moved the plugs - maybe there has been enough rough treatment to result in both red and white being intermittent .

If the secondhand dealer tells you Monday that he heard the turntable working, it's possible that he did. That's the problem with intermittent faults.
It's also not impossible - though most unlikely that your amp is the problem.

It probably only needs the existing plugs to be removed and for a couple of RCA plugs to be soldered on - once the cables have been made a few inches shorter.

(Say roughly where you're located James and I might be able give some actual help in finding / curing your problem).

 

[Fatfreddy]

Good morning, sorry I did mean the inputs, I attached a aux to headphone cable (I attach an MP3 that way) just so I could play through the different inputs and they all played through fine.
Sorry I don't know the exact terms for the wires coming from the Linn that go into the phono Input in amp, what I will say and I've just had a good look at them. On the length of wire it says Neglex 2549 microphone cable, and on the plugs, which are definitely an upgrade from basic cable, it has the word REAN.
I go away weekends and I'm bringing back a cheap, but I know working record player that I'm going to try. In a way I'm hoping it does and that will mean you are correct and I'll follow through with what you have said about the RCA plugs soldered on. I am based in Plymouth Devon by the way and so is the shop I bought from. I will say though that I have bought from there for past 12 years and the guy who sold it to me is a genuinely decent chap who really knows his stuff and I'm sure if there is a issue they would replace, refund.
I shall get back Monday and try straight away and let you know and thank you.

 

[Gray]

On the length of wire it says Neglex 2549 microphone cable, and on the plugs, which are definitely an upgrade from basic cable, it has the word REAN.

OK, so someone has changed the signal cable and plugs.
As those REAN plugs unscrew, it would be worth you checking their solder connections.

(They've gone to the trouble of fitting decent quality cable and plugs - so I would have thought their soldering would be good - but any detached or shorting wires will be easy enough for you to spot).

 

[Fatfreddy]

OK so know I'm a little more concerned, I unscrewed the first and something small, black fell out. It looks like something you would put in to fill the empty space by the soldered part, with 3 almost leg/grippy things to wrap around the cable, I would say to help hold in its place. But the second cable firstly doesn't have this little black part and the soldered part does not look as neat and cleanly done. Maybe it was because without the black part it looks different and that's my initial sight when first looking.
Definitely now more keen to test a different player through phono, I would like to keep the Linn as I saved a long time for it, so if I can sort I most definitely will before returning. Thanks again you've really helped.

 

[Gray]

...with 3 almost leg/grippy things to wrap around the cable, I would say to help hold in its place.

Yes that's the cable clamp.
The idea is that, as the plug body is screwed closed, it increasingly clamps down around the cable - preventing it being pulled out.

You shouldn't need to return the Linn - just get some plugs properly fitted to the cable....and hope that he's done a better solder job inside the turntable 🤞

Meantime, your test turntable should confirm no problem with the Sony amp.
(If the tester T/T has a 'phono / line' switch, make sure you switch it to phono).

Good luck 👍

 

[Fatfreddy]

You're a gent, helped but also put my mind to rest that I can quite easily sort out. Enjoy your weekend.

 

[Nico69]

Hi. I have a Linn Axis so will see if I can help.

• Was the Linn serviced/reconditioned by the shop?
• What Arm does it have?
• What cartridge/stylus does it have?
• Are the wire tags secured to the back of the cartridge? Careful - they are very delicate!
• Under the body beneath the tone arm there is a big plastic plug that goes direct into the bottom of the tone arm column. Check that is plugged in.
• If you have a multimeter you can check continuity of the wires from the cartridge to the ends of the RCA plugs. It will depend on cartridge as to what wires go where.
• If the cartridge is a MC (moving coil) then the output is very low so even plugging it into the Phono stage on the amp will result in no/very low output. A dedicated Phono Amp with MC input would be required. (check cartridge for type)
• Check Amp with known working TT for operation.

Pictures of all the above might help to identify the issues.

A few hints/tips:

• before moving or handling the Axis, remove the outer platter and keep separate. Place some folded cardboard under two sides of the inner platter to stop damage to the single point bearing.
• Keep tone arm in it's retaining clip when moving.
• Remove inner platter before turning upside down (if you have to for any reason)
• If it's not been serviced then get some proper Linn (Black) oil from a dealer. Don't use generic oil. Plenty of online guides to changing this
• If it needs a new belt then get a Thakker one. They are very good and cheaper than Linn (£60) ones.
• If you can hear/feel the deck judder on start-up or it needs a push to get it going then it needs the capacitors on the motor board redoing. Not a big job and I could suggest a few people depending on where you live.

If you have any questions or need advice then please ask. I love my Axis and it is a fabulous sounding deck so I hope we can get yours sounding fabulous too!

 

[Fatfreddy]

Morning, thank you for offering help, I'm away till late this evening but 1st thing tomorrow morning I'll make a brew and go through all what you said carefully. I will say though that when I do start it does do the slight judder you mention, takes a few seconds to get to a steady, quiet speed.
I'll reply back to you tomorrow and genuinely, thank you.

 

[Fatfreddy]

Hi. I have a Linn Axis so will see if I can help.

• Was the Linn serviced/reconditioned by the shop?
• What Arm does it have?
• What cartridge/stylus does it have?
• Are the wire tags secured to the back of the cartridge? Careful - they are very delicate!
• Under the body beneath the tone arm there is a big plastic plug that goes direct into the bottom of the tone arm column. Check that is plugged in.
• If you have a multimeter you can check continuity of the wires from the cartridge to the ends of the RCA plugs. It will depend on cartridge as to what wires go where.
• If the cartridge is a MC (moving coil) then the output is very low so even plugging it into the Phono stage on the amp will result in no/very low output. A dedicated Phono Amp with MC input would be required. (check cartridge for type)
• Check Amp with known working TT for operation.

Pictures of all the above might help to identify the issues.

A few hints/tips:

• before moving or handling the Axis, remove the outer platter and keep separate. Place some folded cardboard under two sides of the inner platter to stop damage to the single point bearing.
• Keep tone arm in it's retaining clip when moving.
• Remove inner platter before turning upside down (if you have to for any reason)
• If it's not been serviced then get some proper Linn (Black) oil from a dealer. Don't use generic oil. Plenty of online guides to changing this
• If it needs a new belt then get a Thakker one. They are very good and cheaper than Linn (£60) ones.
• If you can hear/feel the deck judder on start-up or it needs a push to get it going then it needs the capacitors on the motor board redoing. Not a big job and I could suggest a few people depending on where you live.

If you have any questions or need advice then please ask. I love my Axis and it is a fabulous sounding deck so I hope we can get yours sounding fabulous too!

I meant to say also that I am bringing back a T/table just to double check the amp.

 

[Nico69]

Morning, thank you for offering help, I'm away till late this evening but 1st thing tomorrow morning I'll make a brew and go through all what you said carefully. I will say though that when I do start it does do the slight judder you mention, takes a few seconds to get to a steady, quiet speed.
I'll reply back to you tomorrow and genuinely, thank you.

The judder is either the power board or the belt. First thing I'd try is cleaning the belt with some IPA or meths. Also clean the capstan and the inner platter where the belt runs. Keep an eye on which way the belt was running and replace in the same orientation.

You can also put the outer platter on upside down and observe the belt on first start-up. Might help you isolate the judder problem

 

[Gray]

• If you have a multimeter you can check continuity of the wires from the cartridge to the ends of the RCA plugs.

You could do that.
But, to test continuity a meter puts out a voltage on its probes.
Unless you're very careful (or disconnect the cartridge) there's a risk of accidentally putting that voltage across the cartridge coil(s).

(My own meter, for example, would give my cartridge at least 500 times more voltage than it will ever give out!).

Plus the fact that OP James has described intermittency at the plugs - testing continuity now might confirm the intermittency of course. But it sounds like the plugs need resoldering before final checks 👍.

 

[Fatfreddy]

Thanks for taking the time to offer help and advice, I just wanted to update a little. I'm returning the amp as I tried every Inputs and nothing at all, so that's the first thing.
As for the T/T, well until I can set it up with a working amp I'm at a standstill for the moment, but there could be a more prioritised action needed and that being the speed/power switch. I have spoken to the shop and they are being great and will refund if needed. There is a lesson to be learned on my behalf, I was so happy to be finally getting a nice TT, paying weekly, when I should have been more diligent beforehand.
I love it and I want to see it the best it can be, if anyone knows someone professional and trusted in the Plymouth Devon area who I could pay to get it tip top that would be great, thank you.

 

[Nico69]

Thanks for taking the time to offer help and advice, I just wanted to update a little. I'm returning the amp as I tried every Inputs and nothing at all, so that's the first thing.
As for the T/T, well until I can set it up with a working amp I'm at a standstill for the moment, but there could be a more prioritised action needed and that being the speed/power switch. I have spoken to the shop and they are being great and will refund if needed. There is a lesson to be learned on my behalf, I was so happy to be finally getting a nice TT, paying weekly, when I should have been more diligent beforehand.
I love it and I want to see it the best it can be, if anyone knows someone professional and trusted in the Plymouth Devon area who I could pay to get it tip top that would be great, thank you.

Hi. From my limited contacts in the area this shop has been mentioned a couple of times. Worth giving them a call. Seem like a decent outfit.

Gullifords of Exeter.

 

[Al ears]

Hi. From my limited contacts in the area this shop has been mentioned a couple of times. Worth giving them a call. Seem like a decent outfit.

Gullifords of Exeter.

They are.