Magnetic pickup output

[John Chidgey]

Hello, hoping the group might have some suggestions. I want to connect my garrard with high output pickup to a AW 23. When I do the volume is off the charts and can't be lowered.

Can anyone suggest a basic circuit to step down the voltage? The pickup has a DC resistance of approximately 6k. Thanks

[David C. Poland]

You evidently have the early version 5 knob AW-23 made in 1935. The phono signal is injected after the volume control into the cathode of the 1st audio tube. The phono Scott offered had both a volume control and the radio/phono switch on the phonograph. So you experienced the full window rattling volume the amp is capable of.

Note - without a phono connected, the phono post is supposed to be jumped to ground. The phono's switch is arranged so OFF/RADIO position jumpers the phono post ground for radio reception. The ON/PHONO position connects the phono pickup across the phono posts. I use a modern mini jack of the type the breaks the internal connection when a cable jack is inserted. And you still need a volume control ahead of the jack to control phono volume. In my case, I use a CD player with volume control and the mini jack described on a short coax cable so I can mount the mini jack socket on the cabinet with a small brass angle iron as a mounting.

Scott changed the phono input circuit starting January 1936 with the introduction of  7 knob AW-23, with a radio/phono knob below the BASS control.

[John Chidgey]

Thanks David. Makes sense now. 

David C. Poland said:

You evidently have the early version 5 knob AW-23 made in 1935. The phono signal is injected after the volume control into the cathode of the 1st audio tube. The phono Scott offered had both a volume control and the radio/phono switch on the phonograph. So you experienced the full window rattling volume the amp is capable of.

Note - without a phono connected, the phono post is supposed to be jumped to ground. The phono's switch is arranged so OFF/RADIO position jumpers the phono post ground for radio reception. The ON/PHONO position connects the phono pickup across the phono posts. I use a modern mini jack of the type the breaks the internal connection when a cable jack is inserted. And you still need a volume control ahead of the jack to control phono volume. In my case, I use a CD player with volume control and the mini jack described on a short coax cable so I can mount the mini jack socket on the cabinet with a small brass angle iron as a mounting.

Scott changed the phono input circuit starting January 1936 with the introduction of  7 knob AW-23, with a radio/phono knob below the BASS control.

[Michael Lawton]

Try this... may need to try higher or lower resistance pot for best results.

[John Chidgey]

• Thank, Michael