Low level in right channel when recording LPs

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Turntable

Repair for different sorts of record players, for recreation and music production.

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David Kalkwarf @davidkalkwarf

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Опубликовано: 20 мар 2022 г.

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Low level in right channel when recording LPs

I am digitizing my LPs. I have a Yamaha TT-500U turntable and an old Sanyo receiver. I run the output from my receiver to a computer’s sound card and record with Audacity software.

After recording a bunch of LPs, I noticed (in Audacity) that the level on the right channel suddenly dropped. I checked my turntable and the needle was cockeyed. Not surprising since I haven’t used it in years and had just played a bunch of LPs. Therefore, I replaced the needle on the cartridge (AT90). This didn’t help - right channel is still low.

I checked the recording levels with the radio. That is OK - so problem seems to be related to the turntable. I removed the cartridge and blew out the dust, etc. with compressed air. Still have low levels.

Any opinions on where the problem lies? Cables? Cartridge? Any suggestions on how to further diagnose?

UPDATE: found service manual

S M TT500 TT500U

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Hi,

What is the model number of the Sanyo receiver?

If the radio is internal to the receiver it may be the pre-amp (aka phono) section of the receiver that is the problem (receiver's phono, radio, tape? etc selector switch, the preamp, the pre amp input connections etc) and not the turntable. This is assuming that you're using the phono input to the receiver.

Have you tried swapping the L & R cables over between the turntable and the receiver to check if the problem moves to the Left audio channel?

20 мар 2022 г. из jayeff

Thanks for the response.

Receiver: Sanyo DCR 250

Radio/tuner is internal to the receiver.

Yes, I am using the phono input to the receiver.

I swapped the cable. Problem moves to the left channel.

I tried another cable with same result.

Seems like problem is with turntable. Repairable? Buy another?

22 мар 2022 г. из David Kalkwarf

@David Kalkwarf

It might be repairable, but I can't find a service manual or schematic for the turntable.

Maybe check the wiring from the pickup cartridge to wherever it goes and then the cable connections on the output of the turntable.

Low level could be simply due to a dry joint solder connection or a loose connection somewhere.

Post some close up images in your question of the "boards", the cartridge wiring? if visible and the output connections in the turntable, maybe something can be seen.

here's how on ifixit Adding images to an existing question

23 мар 2022 г. из jayeff

@David Kalkwarf How old is the Yamaha turntable you are using?

23 мар 2022 г. из Andrew S

The turntable is about 35 years old. I suppose it is contrary to the purpose of this site, but perhaps it is time to buy a new one :-)

23 мар 2022 г. из David Kalkwarf

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Hi,

What is the model number of the Sanyo receiver?

If the radio is internal to the receiver it may be the pre-amp (aka phono) section of the receiver that is the problem (receiver's phono, radio, tape? etc selector switch, the preamp, the pre amp input connections etc) and not the turntable. This is assuming that you're using the phono input to the receiver.

Have you tried swapping the L & R cables over between the turntable and the receiver to check if the problem moves to the Left audio channel? — jayeff
Thanks for the response.

Receiver: Sanyo DCR 250

Radio/tuner is internal to the receiver.

Yes, I am using the phono input to the receiver.

I swapped the cable. Problem moves to the left channel.

I tried another cable with same result.

Seems like problem is with turntable. Repairable? Buy another? — David Kalkwarf
@David Kalkwarf

It might be repairable, but I can't find a service manual or schematic for the turntable.

Maybe check the wiring from the pickup cartridge to wherever it goes and then the cable connections on the output of the turntable.

Low level could be simply due to a dry joint solder connection or a loose connection somewhere.

Post some close up images in your question of the "boards", the cartridge wiring? if visible and the output connections in the turntable, maybe something can be seen.

here's how on ifixit Adding images to an existing question — jayeff
@David Kalkwarf How old is the Yamaha turntable you are using? — Andrew S
The turntable is about 35 years old. I suppose it is contrary to the purpose of this site, but perhaps it is time to buy a new one :-) — David Kalkwarf

bill @ruggb Репутация: 4к 3 2 · Answer 1 · 2022-03-23T11:09:17-07:00

Process of elimination.

switch audio input leads - on amplifier, on turntable, at cartridge. Holding input lead with finger will produce a hum - is it the same level on both channels. That should get you close to the problem source.
2. If at cartridge, check alignment of needle and record grooves.

You can remove the cartridge and touch the terminals that the cartridge connects to. This will eliminate everything except the cartridge. Make sure you do it while the turntable is running as most have a mute switch that shorts those connections while it is changing/stopping. If the needle was crooked, the cartridge might not be far behind.

If you still get one channel with a hum and not the other, then it is either the mute switch or a connection to the output jacks, or weak center connector to the RCA plug = assuming the plugs are fully inserted. Twist and push to be sure.

I don't see a mute switch, and only 2 of the 4 cartridge wire will produce a hum. The other 2 are ground. Also, don't touch the table with the other hand as you are doing this. It may severely reduce the hum.

Turntable

Low level in right channel when recording LPs

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Update (04/15/2022)

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