lacking speaker volume.

[jlafrenz]

Most of the Grado carts are rated at 5mV. I have seen and heard Grado carts used with the USP-1 just fine. Some of the higher end carts seem to have less output voltage. I am curious to see what cart you are using as well. This may give us some more insight as to what is going on.

[oregonkiwi]

The cartridge is a brand new Grado Prestige Silver1 Standard Mounting Cartridge.
I did also find online a possible answer to my question...something I would never have thought of...last time I had a Turntable was about 25 years ago.
Here is an item I found doing a google search...



The TC-770LC introduces both new features and more sophisticated styling to our extensive preamp line. All of our other MM phono preamps provide the industry standard 38-40 dB of gain, more than enough if your moving magnet cartridge is typical. But what if your cartridge is NOT typical? A number of high-end MM cartridge models feature lower output as part of their quest for better sound. B&O's famous and well-respected MMC line of cartridges produces only a third of the output of most other brands; typical phono preamps simply can't bring this up to the level needed to match other sources like CD. Worse, if you own a B&O turntable you're given no choice in the matter; only B&O cartridges fit. Until now,you had to choose either to endure having to crank your receiver or amp main volume waaay up or replace your favorite cartridge (and maybe the turntable too) with something less desirable. Our TC-770LC changes the rules by providing up to 60dB total phono gain, more than enough to raise that soft-spoken cartridge up to the level needed to drive your amp or receiver properly.We've even included a DIN jack for B&O owners so you can connect your Beogram turntable without using an RCA adaptor!



And with the Grado on this vintage marantz 6300 TT,I am finding the same problem....have to crank volume WAAAAY up!
So,you all think this is likely my solution/problem?
Kind regards...kiwi

[jlafrenz]

The USP-1 has plenty of gain and voltage output. Is there a chance you know someone else with a turntable you could borrow and test it out on the USP-1?

[oregonkiwi]

the cartridge is a new grado silver 1.
The turntable has upgraded rca cables,dont know what brand.Feller at TURNTABLERESTORATION(Claudio) set it all up.
Setting is correct on USP1 for the cartridge.All cables tight.
Phasing on cartridge correct to specs.

[oregonkiwi]

I might be able to borrow a TT from a buddy..will have to ask him.
Sigh,this is WORK!!!

[roadrunner]

I just checked Grado's web page for the Prestige Silver 1 cartridge and it is a MM design with a 5 mV output with a load of 47 KOhm. The should work extremely well with the USP-1. Secrets of Home Theater HiFi tested the USP-1 and one of the bench test showed that the Phono Stage for MM with a 4 mV input/1.2V output having THD between -100dbV and -122dbV. For the tested MC cartridge they used one with an output of 1mv and praised the USP for it sound quallity of volume ouput. The link to the review is shown below.

www.hometheaterhifi.com/preamplifiers/689-emotiva-usp-1-stereo-preamplifier.html?start=3

Double check what the tracking force is for your TT and tonearm. The cartridge you are using recommend a tracking force of 1.5. It looks like it is time to get your TT, Tonearm and Cartridge checked out for proper setup. A 5mV output from the Grado Silver 1 is well within range for the USP-1.

[Nemesis.ie]

On the iPod level, was the volume control on the iPod set at or near max? The level is it set to will affect the output and usually it is best to set these at 90% or higher (try full and then back it off if there is distortion until the distortion stops).

Of course as an exception example, if you have a Popcorn Hour C-200, you need to keep the level within about +/- 3 or you get nasty distortion.

[geode]

Did you play the TT connected to the Luxman. Did it sound good and have normal volume. If so, it isn't the TT or the cartridge (5mV is a High-output cartridge) or the setup of either cart or table. It's the phono-pre in the USP-1. It should and I believe does meet the RIAA standard as does the TT and Grado. Again, if it played normally through the Luxman then the USP-1 needs some work. Incidently, I also have a Marantz 6300 TT with a cheapo Grado Black. It sounds great.