Need help with my Quad/Monitor Audio configuration

[andreadpool]

Hi, I just completed my system, here's the list of equipment:
- Quad 34;
- Quad 306;
- Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC;
- Monitor Audio Silver S1.

I received the Pro-ject as a gift a few years ago, and recently I bought at a good price the Quad combination, which I love, and finally, the speakers.
The problem is, I tried to play a record with this system, and the volume is really low, even at the highest setting.

Here's the list of cables that I am using:
- from speakers to Quad 306: QED reference XT40i terminated with banana plugs;
- from Pro-Ject to Quad 34: Pro-Ject Connect it E;
- from Quad 34 to Quad 306: Mogami Neglex 2534 RCA cable.

My doubts are:
- is there a problem with the speakers I am using?;
- maybe I inserting the banana plugs wrong? Since they go deeper in the amplifier connectors that the speakers connectors.

I added some photos of the setup if it can help.

I'm new to the world of hi-fi, so I may have also made some trivial mistakes in configuring the system, so I ask you for patience, please.

In conclusion, I wish you can help me in any way and if you can point something to better in the system, thanks a lot!

 

[sergeauckland]

Welcome to the forum. Nice system.

Looking at your pictures, I can't see anything wrong with your wiring, and assuming the fault is the same in both channels, it's pretty unlikely to be a fault in the loudspeakers (although possible). The phono input module on the 34 is correct for a moving magnet cartridge, so I wonder if, unlikely as it might be, that the turntable has been fitted with a moving coil cartridge. If so, that would definitely account for your problem.
Otherwise, can you feed another source into the 34, even a mobile 'phone headphone output with the 'phone's volume set to near 100% would send about the right level for a line input. If that's OK, then it must be something on the phono side. Either the turntable wiring, or the 34's phono input.

Hard to diagnose remotely, but all faults have a logical reason.

Oh, and has the 306 reset button popped out? I can't remember if the 306 stops working altogether or just goes quiet if that's popped out.

S.

 

[andreadpool]

Thanks for your reply.

The cartridge is the standard OM10 that is provided with the turntable, and if I'm not mistaken, should be a moving magnet.

Tomorrow I will try to feed another source into the 34, as you suggested, and I will look into the reset button. I am pretty sure I tried to push it in a moment of despair, but it didn't solve anything. I will check it with more attention.

Thanks for your help!

 

[andreadpool]

Hi, some updates on the situation:
- tomorrow I'll get the cable to feed the mobile phone output to the 306, I will let you know if that sounds alright;
- I tried fiddling with the reset button, with no results, and it remains out, I guess it's the standard position.

Good night!

 

[sergeauckland]

Hi, some updates on the situation:
- tomorrow I'll get the cable to feed the mobile phone output to the 306, I will let you know if that sounds alright;
- I tried fiddling with the reset button, with no results, and it remains out, I guess it's the standard position.

Good night!

Sorry if it's grandma and eggs, but if you're sending the 'phone's output to the 306 directly, make sure the 'phone's volume is very low when you start as there's no volume control on the 306. If that works OK, then plug the 'phone into one of the line inputs of the 34, and then you can turn the 'phone's volume up to full, or near full.

S

 

[andreadpool]

Okay, thanks!

 

[andreadpool]

I tried to plug in my phone both to the radio and to the CD ingress, it didn't gave any sign of life. I have to specify that when I use the turntable, the music is low but you can hear the record, this time I didn't hear a sound.
I add that I used a 3.5 mm jack to RCA cable, with a jack to usb-c adapter.
However, the next days I'll borrow my father's CD player to test it, so we can get to the bottom of it.

 

[andreadpool]

I tried to connect my father's CD player, the problem is the same that I faced with the turntable, the volume is low.
Since the problem is the same with different inputs, I think the speakers are the problem, so I will have them checked. Thanks for your help

 

[SIY]

Did you try to connect the phone's output (turned low to start!) to the power amp input, bypassing the preamp?

Other thing to check- some power amps have internal fuses which, when popped, cause a major reduction in volume. I don't know if it's the case with Quad or not.

Speakers are least likely culprits. Possible, but unlikely that two of them have developed the same fault at the same time.

 

[andreadpool]

I'll try that today.
Anyway I think I'll bring all the equipment to a local repairman, since I'm not expert enough to solve the problem, even with your (much appreciated) help.
:')

 

[andreadpool]

Okay, I tried to connect the phone directly to the power amp input, and the volume was finally loud, so I think you were right, and I guess the problem it's in the preamp.
I will have all my gear checked anyway, thanks for your advice!

 

[DSJR]

The Quad 34 is forty years old or so now (yours is the nicer RCA equipped version with some internal updates I believe) BUT, for whatever reason, 34 power supply capacitors can go off and leak all over the motherboard, meaning a more detailed repair than simply swapping new for old. Quad Service dept. here in Huntingdon, now do a full service whereas in my day, a simple basic repair is about as far as they'd go. Sorry if I'm repeating this, but a pal of mine also received an earlier spec 34/FM4/405-2, sent them off to Quad and had all three fully gone over to a surprising extent, they were so thorough. Wasn't especially cheap, but all three units should be good for another forty years or so

 

[andreadpool]

I am aware that the equipment I bought is of an excellent standard, and I would like to honor it with the proper service at the Quad Service department in Huntingdon, the problem is I live in Italy. Do you think they work with gear shipped from outside UK?