Turntable spins but doesnt play music (Akai AP-Q50)

[mmichodd]

Hello, I've come to this forum seeking help with my turntable, the model is (as stated in the title) an Akai AP-Q50. I dug it out of the basement last night and plugged it into an amp and speakers that I already had in the basement (RCA RS2044). Good news is the turn table spins and all the controls work. But nothing comes out of my speakers. I wired everything correctly and I checked if the aux input of the amp worked with a wire connected to my phone, and it does. I'm really new to the whole turntable and records thing so I'm not sure what to do. Could it be the record I was playing (it was really heavily scratched) or the needle that needs replacing? It hasn't been used in a long time so I wasn't surprised to find out it wasn't working. Any help is appreciated thank you so much for your time

 

[Petherick]

I think you don't have a suitable "phono" input on the RCA unit. It's a micro system isn't it? The turntable needs a phono pre-amp to successfully connect it to "line" inputs.

 

[The_Lhc]

Is the needle actually touching the record (is there actually a needle in the cartridge)? Does the TT have a phono amp built in? If not you'll need one as the aux input won't have one.

 

[mmichodd]

Ah okay, makes sense. So I would have to buy one that's suitable? Could you recommend some? Thank you

 

[mmichodd]

Yeah the needle is touching the record. And no it doesnt have a phono amp built in. So I think y'all just found my problem thanks a lot, I was worried I'd have to buy a new tt (dumb me)

 

[Al ears]

Ah okay, makes sense. So I would have to buy one that's suitable? Could you recommend some? Thank you

Project make some cheap MM phono preamps that are rather good.

 

[spiny norman]

Project make some cheap MM phono preamps that are rather good.

Or if, as I suspect, the OP is in North America, he/she could try Roy Hall's new $90 phono preamp, the Music Hall Mini.