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samoore
Contributor I
Jan 4, 2021 12:51 AM UTC
Answered

Audio Technica AT-LP120X Turntable connected to Sonos Five Line-In sounds tinny

I have a Sonos 5 connected to an Audio Technica AT-LP120X turntable with built-in pre-amp.  The sound quality is horrible, what can I try to do to improve it?

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    ratty
    rattyAnswer
    Jan 7, 2021 10:42 AM UTC

    I have to say I think you’re rather clutching at straws. Tinkering with tracking weight and cables is a distraction. If a cable was faulty it's highly unlikely the fault would hit both channels.

    A tinny, weak sound is characteristic of a phono preamp not doing its job to apply boost and RIAA equalization. 

    Find another source and test the Five’s Line-In to make sure that’s okay. A headphone outlet from a phone would do.

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    samooreAuthor
    Contributor I
    Jan 7, 2021 3:10 AM UTC

    Tried redoing the tonearm weight and cartridge alignment and no improvement. Still sounds like a tin can. Waiting for a new cable to see if that improves things. 

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    ratty
    rattyAnswer
    Jan 7, 2021 10:42 AM UTC

    I have to say I think you’re rather clutching at straws. Tinkering with tracking weight and cables is a distraction. If a cable was faulty it's highly unlikely the fault would hit both channels.

    A tinny, weak sound is characteristic of a phono preamp not doing its job to apply boost and RIAA equalization. 

    Find another source and test the Five’s Line-In to make sure that’s okay. A headphone outlet from a phone would do.

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      John B
      Jan 7, 2021 11:05 AM UTC

      It has to be the pre-amp.  The OP has still not confirmed that the switch on the turntable is set to provide a line level input to the Five’s line in.

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        ratty
        ratty
        Jan 7, 2021 11:16 AM UTC

        It has to be the pre-amp. 

        My thoughts too. I was just encouraging a bit of Troubleshooting 101.

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          John B
          Jan 7, 2021 11:22 AM UTC

          It has to be the pre-amp. 

          My thoughts too. I was just encouraging a bit of Troubleshooting 101.

          I wouldn’t disagree at all - definitely a worthwhile check

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          samooreAuthor
          Contributor I
          Feb 10, 2021 1:47 PM UTC

          Just realized I left this open. I ended up getting another speaker (different brand) with same turntable and it works perfectly. I had hoped to have the turntable in my Sonos system so it could play throughout the house, but this solution is better than none. Thanks for all the help troubleshooting. 

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