Fandango Andy
Well-known member
It sounds like you have given up on the phono stage. Just in case here are a few thoughts.
Would you describe the sound as pops? if so it could be clipping, and that would be a clear indicator the phono stage isn't up to the job.
On the other hand Al Ears could be onto something about earth. Is the earth pin on the phono stage mains plug made of plastic, or does the unit have an external transformer like a mobile phone charger? If either on these is true it isn't earthed.
The turntable is probably double insulated so not a safety concern. The tone arm may be earthed via the cartridge, so the earth wire is just belt and braces.
A simple test. Turn the record on without a playing a record. Turn the volume up on the amp, if you hear a buzz or hum it needs earthing. Turn it off, run a cable from the phono state earth, to the amps earth and repeat the experiment. If this makes it better, problem solved. If it makes it worse, it probably wasn't an earth issue. Remove the wire.
I haven't heard your amp, but by reputation the in built phono stage is good. If you thought it sounded better with the external one, it may just be louder. You may just need to turn the volume up a little.
Finally, you describe yourself as a complete novice. The biggest mistake novices often make is speak positioning. Google speaker placement, or read the instructions that came with your speakers. With ten minutes of experimenting, most people can improve their sound.
Happy listening!
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