How much can I turn up the volume

Posted by: Ken Chang on 25 April 2001

I am using Ortofon MC 20 II with 82/180/2hicap. The cartridge has very low output so . in order to have a sound level I like, I need to turn the volume up to 3 'o clock or more. Will this be any harm to my amp. What's the limit ? Can I turn the volume to 5 'o clock ?

Posted on: 25 April 2001 by Martin Payne

Ken,

there's no inherent problem with running the volume control at high levels.

If you also run a CD player and you accidentally play a CD with the wick turned up you may do subtle damage to your tweeters (my dealer reckons even one event like this will start to degrade the tweeters noticeably).

Also, if you regularly get pops and clicks through the speakers from fridges/freezers/central heating then these could come out louder. You would need to make a judgement whether these were loud enough to cause concern for your speakers (or shock you whilst listening!)

cheers, Martin

Posted on: 25 April 2001 by Tim Jones

Ken -

Martin is right, and it's usual to have to turn things up higher for a turntable than you would for a line source.

But 3 o'clock sounds a bit excessive. Have you checked with your dealer to make sure the pre has the appropriate phono boards?

Posted on: 29 April 2001 by Ken Chang

The cartridge output is only 0.09 mv but I guess there are two type of MC to be used in the 82.
So I should still keep on using it at 3 'o clock without any worry ? confused