Vinyl distortion

Does this turntable include a “preamp”? Is the stylus force set correctly? It’s possible that the stylus has been damaged. Try different Source Level settings.

It's fantastic that you've got such a great Sonos setup and a massive vinyl collection. Vinyl has its unique charm that many audiophiles adore, so let's troubleshoot the distortion issue you're facing with your Project turntable and Port. 

The distortion problem you're encountering with your turntable could be due to a few factors: 

Grounding Issue: Vinyl setups often require proper grounding to prevent interference and distortion. Make sure that the turntable is correctly grounded to the pre-amp or receiver. 

Cartridge Alignment and Tracking Force: Ensure that your cartridge is correctly aligned and that the tracking force (the weight at which the stylus contacts the record) is properly set according to your turntable's specifications. Incorrect settings can lead to distortion. 

Pre-Amp Settings: Double-check the settings on your Project e pre-amp. It should be set to the appropriate gain level for your cartridge. If it's set too high, it can cause distortion. 

Cables and Connections: Check all the cables and connections between your turntable, pre-amp, Port, and your Sonos system. Ensure they are securely connected and not damaged. 

Port Settings: The Sonos Port may have settings that affect the audio input. Make sure the input source is configured correctly and that no EQ or other audio processing settings are causing the distortion. 

Ground Loop Isolation: If you suspect a ground loop issue is causing the distortion, you can try a ground loop isolator to see if it improves the sound quality. 

I hope that it will help

Is the preamp set to phono mode and is the cartridge type (MC - MM) set correctly?

Actually, the preamp should be in Line mode.  Phono mode is for a phono input.  

Are you using a “switch” to connect both the CD and TT to the Port?

I’m confused.

Above, he says Phono input is distorted so shouldn’t the preamp be in phono mode to listen to the phono?

@Roger Ramjet,

Have you tried adjusting the line-in ‘source level’ in the Connect:Amps room settings in the Sonos App, to see if that makes any difference and eradicates the distortion? I’m assuming here that the TT/Pre-Amp is set to ‘line-level’ audio-output.

The turntable is going into the line-in on the Port, so the preamp should be set to Line, because the input on the Port is line level. 

Thank you all for your help. The cartridge is MM Ortofon. The Phone box e preamp is plugged straight into the Port input. I have fiddled with source level  and audio delay with no substantial improvment in quality.  Are there any people out there that are 100% satisfied with the performance of TT through Port in their Sonos setup? Would be interested to know. Starting to get desperate considering replacing components at expense without any reasonable chance of success if the setup is intrinsically flawed?

What model Project turntable?