Sondek LP12 + Pro-ject Phono Stage + Naim NAC12s + Naim SNAPS + Linn LK2 Power Amp + Speakers = Very quiet???

Posted by: danieljnolan on 08 October 2016

Hi,

Received as a graduation gift:
Linn Sondek LP12
Naim Audio SNAPS preamp power and Naim Audio NAC12s preamp
Linn LK2 Power amp
I'm adding these to my KEF Celeste IV Speakers. The LP12 is being run via a Pro-Ject PhonoBox II on the MC setting as appropriate to my cartridge.

The problem is, even when volume is turned up to the highest setting, I am getting only a quiet sound through the speakers. Everything is powered on, I have tested the LP12 with a different amp with the phono stage so I can eliminate that as the problem. I am concerned it's something wrong with the preamp or amp stage, so was wondering if quiet sound is symptomatic of anything in particular with these components. All cables are plugged in tight and I'm guessing since sound is coming through but just quietly it's all connected properly, but that the sound isn't being amplified correctly at some stage?

Any help appreciated and can attach pictures of the setup and cabling if that helps.

Cheers!

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

You should be able to connect the LP12 directly to the 12S. Does that help? Have you connected the Linn amp to the snaps with the correct lead? Have you tried connecting a CD player or tuber to the 12S?

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by Richard Dane

As Nigel says, try a line level source to see of you have the same issue. Could be a cabling issue..? How is everything connected? Post a picture if possible.

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by danieljnolan

Have just tried connecting the LP12 to the 12S via the phono input and it seems to put out the same sound as with the phono stage which is interesting. Was advised that it was necessary but perhaps not.

I will try another input and will attach photos. Update to follow.

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by danieljnolan

Tried connecting a CD player to the phono input of the 12S, without using the phono stage obviously, and just got a load of fuzz and no more volume than with the turntable. Weird. 

Here's a gallery which hopefully will help if there's anything blatantly wrong with the cabling. I can annotate if required maybe. https://postimg.org/gallery/36osal6bi/

The cables run: RCA from LP12 to 'IN' slots of phono stage.

RCA from phono stage from 'OUT' slots of phono stage to an XLR in the 'Tuner' input on the 12S (the phono stage is not compatible with the phono input of preamps for some reason, which I find strange but am following the manufacturers instructions)

12S connected with a cable running from its 'Output' slot to the first slot of the SNAPS in order to get power to the 12S

Two cables running from the remaining two slots on the SNAPS to the left and right slots of the Linn Power Amp

Speaker cables running from the Power Amp

 

I don't understand the logic of the SNAPS particularly well, but I know that the output to first slot logic seems to be right as the other two don't provide power. Things get a bit murky when sussing out which of the remaining two slots on the SNAPS should go to the left or right of the power amp.

Anyway, hope that's of some assistance!

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

You should not connect the cd to the phono input, as its output is too high. Does it work into the tuner input?

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

Ah, I think I might have worked it out. With the snaps and Linn amp turned off, disconnect the two leads that go between the two (at the Linn end only) and swap them round. Turn it back on, and you should have your music. 

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by danieljnolan

It worked! Can't believe it was so simple, thank you! 

Posted on: 08 October 2016 by hungryhalibut

Marvellous!!

One thing - move the 12S off the Linn amp and away from the snaps and it will sound better. This keeps the sensitive bits away from the transformers and stuff like that. It's a fantastic graduation gift, and I'm sure you'll love it.