Analog turntable with HDMI (Denon ARV 1909) - no audio

[theglide]

I'm a total neophyte in need of advice. I'm unable to get anything out of my turntable when I connected it to an HDMI receiver. Is a pre-amp the missing link? Thanks in advance

[MrBoylan]

I'm a total neophyte in need of advice. I'm unable to get anything out of my turntable when I connected it to an HDMI receiver. Is a pre-amp the missing link? Thanks in advance

Yes, you hit it on the head. Back in the day of analog dominance, you'd find a phono input on every receiver, but these days even mid-level home theater receivers lack a phono input or the requisite pre-amplifier. A turntable outputs a very low level signal with a very specific EQ curve (RIAA). Without a corresponding EQ/preamp built into your receiver you will get only low level distorted sound from your turntable.

Your options are either to buy an outboard phono preamplifier, buy a different receiver which does have a phono input or buy a newer turntable (like a USB turntable) which may have a built-in RIAA preamp. Denon's USB turntable does have a built-in preamp (defeatable for those who do not need it) and it also allows you to rip LPs directly to MP3. But I did have a few issues with the review sample that would keep me from making an unqualified recommendation of that piece. Here's my review:

Denon USB200 USB Turntable review

If you're otherwise happy with your turntable and your receiver, then an outboard preamp may be your best bet. Not sure what price range you're in but on the super-cheap side, the TCC TC-750 gets good reviews. Here's a link to pick one up on Amazon ($43.50 plus shipping):

TCC TC-750 Audiophile Phono Preamp

Hope that helps.

-CB