I have a Denon DP62L with Denon MC cartridge that I haven't listened to much in quite a while but all you people talking about records kinda' got me motivated to start listening again. In the meantime, I've switched out my Yamaha C-70 and M-50's for an MX110 and MC240. The C-70 had an input for a MC cartridge but the MX110 doesn't. It's not that it doesn't work. I can plug the Denon into the MX110 input for MM but I have to jack the volume all the way to max to get much out of it...and it isn't very loud at that point. Is there something I can do...like some kind of separate pre pre-amp....or...?

BTW, I enjoyed listening to some Switched On Bach (anybody remember that?), Aretha and Wes Montgomery this eve anyway..but I'm sure it's not what it should be.

You can get a pre-preamp aka headamp that amplifies the phono signal to a high enough level for your phono input. These are straight signal amplifiers and do not have RIAA equalisation. Not as common as they used to be but usually the cheapest (though not best sounding) route.

Alternatively, you can buy a separate phono stage that amplifies the cartridge signal and also EQs it, these plug into an unused line level input. Many models are available at all price ranges. The NAD PP2 is a good bargain priced (~$120) MM/MC unit.

Thirdly, you could switch to a high output MC cartridges, Denon make several models eg. DL-110, DL-160. Prices from $140. However these are still lowish output (<2.0mV) compared to a MM's typical 4mV+, so may prove marginal into your MM phonostage.

Along with gain problems, the MM preamp doesn't match the impedence, capacitance and other technical zen commodities that the MC cartridge needs. I think this will change the sound significantly, as most high-end MC preamps have switches to match up with the cartridge. Michael W is right about the NAD, and I've heard a Parasound Zphono that was great. Both are less than $150, so not much more than a new cartridge would be.

Thanks for the info on the phono amps. Those look like they would work. I must admit that I would prefer not having to stack another unit into the stereo rack- it's getting crowded. Exploring other options....Could I change the cartridge to a MM cartridge...or is the turntable designed for MC and a MC cartridge must be used?

An MM cartridge would work fine in your Denon and there are lots to choose from.

You can also get a Moving Coil to Moving Magnet transformer. They sound good and require little space and no power. Denon made one. Search for a Moving Coil Transformer.

I agree with the suggestion to get a transformer (or a pair, if they are the little inline ones), or a head amp. The inline transformers take up no space, but even the seperate component transformers or headamps only take up a tiny amount of space -- not like whole phono sections. There were many made, and can be found on ebay for various prices.
People who like moving coils (and you seem to have been one once) aren't always satisfied with moving magnets, and so the added complexity may be worth it to you, especially since often the MC sections built into preamps and integrateds weren't really that great.
Going with the volume knob all the way up is an invitation to a raised noise floor, and to catastrophe if you switch sources without lowering the volume.
I use a Denon AU 310 transformer, which is not exactly state of the art (thats being nice), because it was cheap (like me) but I'm reasonably satisfied. I also had a Marcof pre preamp, and liked it. Either of these would be easy to find, and cheap. I have also used a Phonomenon, and liked it a great deal, though not enough to think the price difference over the Denon was justifiable at the time. And there are many others, and that's part of the fun...

I searched on the MC transformer and think that sounds like a very promising idea, however, it seems that one needs to know what cartridge is in the turntable. Mine just says Denon Lamination Damped Shell and there's no number. I purchased this cartridge at the same time that I bought the turntable in 1983...and for any Navy folks out there..I bought it at the Far East Trader in Subic Bay...
There's no number on there like 110 or 103, etc., Anybody know what it specifically is/what model transformer that I need to match up? Thanks for everybody's help/ideas.

The Denon transformer I had had switches for different impedances. If you get one like that, you can just try different settings until you are happy with the sound. In general, 100 ohms input impedance should work with just about any MC cartridge.

Thanks for the info on the phono amps. Those look like they would work. I must admit that I would prefer not having to stack another unit into the stereo rack- it's getting crowded. Exploring other options....Could I change the cartridge to a MM cartridge...or is the turntable designed for MC and a MC cartridge must be used?

I think that going for a decent MM cartridge is the way to go, given what you've said. If you tell us how much you think would be reasonable to spend, I think you'll get some good suggestions here.

Take a look at this eBay item: # 5770885965. It's a MC head amp by PS Audio. You might be able to pick it up cheaper than anything other solution, and assuming it's like most of their stuff, it should sound good. Good luck!

Thanks for the ebay #. I'm going to keep an eye on that and it may be the answer for me. I'm just checking out my records again and really don't want to spend big bucks at this point.

Well, I tried for that e-bay phono amp. I tried to snipe it but was outbid before I even got my bid in and then it was over. It went for $75 which seems a little stiff to me with $12 shipping. Maybe a new cartridge is the way to go. I'd like to keep it in the $100 - $150 range...and used in good condition would be fine. Just a little looking around and it seems that grado's cartridges are pretty well thought of...the silver or gold look pretty good....or would a high output Denon MC cartridge do as well and go for the DL-110 or DL-160? Will any cartridge fit? I've attached a pic of what I'm currently using so if there are different basic types maybe this will show it.

..and here's another pic...

Well, I think $75 was a pretty good deal for a preamp or transformer of quality. The cartridge will set you back at least that. You can fit pretty much any cartridge you want in that arm. I haven't heard one, but pretty much everyone says that Grado is an exceptionally good inexpensive cartridge. Sometimes you can get an Audio Technica that is really nice and cheap, but unless it's reviewed somewhere it's hard to predict what you'll get.

How about this MM cart.---Shure M97XE? I think you'd be better off sticking with a MM cart. Good luck! :)
http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?cat=&sku=ASHUM97

Well, I broke down and did something about my problem. I bought a high output MC cartridge - a benz-micro silver. I found a place locally with a few cartridges in stock and I got to listen to a couple. Anyway, I like the MC sound so I stuck with MC and the Benz-micro silver was good performance at a reasonable price so I went for it. The shop also put it on, set it up and let me listen to it prior to purchase. I like not having an extra box to ditz with and the HO means that I can use it with basically anything that serves a phono. They let me listen to a couple of TTs while I was there - a Nottingham and a VPI Scout. Both were nice TT's and I think that I could hear slightly clearer highs with them than with my TT...but it was verry slight. Even the salesman commented that he was surprised how good my TT sounded. I had some fun looking and listening.