Question: Why is there no sound coming from my turntable?

Answer: Like so many others, you have recently discovered or rediscovered music on vinyl records. You might also have discovered that setting up and using a turntable is not as simple as you thought it would be. You follow the instructions in the manual to the best of your ability only to find that you have no sound coming from the turntable. Why? Below we give you a few things to check so you can listen to your favorite artist on vinyl.

All Turntables

1. First, you need to realize that Audio-Technica sells turntables not record players. The difference is that a record player has an amplifier and speakers. A turntable is meant to connect to a sound system or powered speaker and will not make sound unless connected.
   
2. Second, when connecting to a sound system or powered speaker, it’s important to note how the audio inputs of that device are labeled. If they are not labeled as “Phono” you need to turn on the turntable’s built-in preamp (or use an external preamp if one is not built in). This is a switch on the back that you can set to either Line or Phono. Setting it to Line turns on the preamp.
   
   
3. Make sure the input source on the sound system or powered speaker is set to the correct input source. For example, if you connect to inputs labeled as Aux 1, set the input source to Aux 1. If you connect to Phono inputs, set the input source to Phono.
   
   
4. Make sure the stylus assembly is installed properly on the cartridge. You may want to remove the stylus assembly from the cartridge and reinstall it. Check your user manual for instructions.
   
   
5. Make sure the stylus has not broken off. You can lightly brush the stylus from back to front with your finger. You should feel a scratch from the stylus. If you don’t, you will need to replace the stylus assembly.
   
   
6. If your turntable has a removable headshell, remove it from the tonearm and reinstall it, making sure to hand-tighten the ring.
    

Bluetooth Considerations

Bluetooth brings in additional issues and things to check.

1.     Make sure the turntable is paired with the Bluetooth device.

2.     Make sure you are pairing with a Bluetooth receive device such as a speaker or headphones. The turntable will not pair with computers, phones or other handheld devices.

3.     In some cases, the Phono/Line switch on the turntable should be set to Line in order to produce sound.

4.     Make sure the turntable or the speaker is not in close proximity to a Wi-Fi router.

5.     Try resetting the Bluetooth process on the turntable. In most cases the below procedure will work.

1. Power off the Bluetooth speaker or headphones that you are connecting with. It’s a good idea to also turn off any other Bluetooth devices in close proximity.
2. Unplug the power cable from the turntable. Wait for 10 seconds.
3. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the turntable while plugging the power back in.
4. Keep holding the Bluetooth button until you see two red flashes then release the button.
5. Let the Bluetooth process time out by waiting until the light either turns solid red or goes off.
6. Turn on the device you wish to pair with and make sure it is in pairing mode.
7. Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the turntable for two seconds then release it.
8. The indicator will flash red and blue and then turn solid blue when paired.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of what could be causing your turntable to produce no sound and how to fix it. As always, feel free to contact the Audio-Technica Audio Solutions Department for more information.