Frequently Asked Questions

Why won’t the JC 3 turn on when I press the On-Off button?

-Check the setting of the Turn On Options switch. It must be set to Manual for the front panel On-Off button to function.

Why won’t the JC 3 turn on with an external DC trigger?

-Check the setting of the Turn On Options switch. It must be set to Auto for the 12V trigger to function.

Why is there no sound from the speakers?

-Check that AC is live and the “P” badge and both the On-Off button and Mono button are illuminated.

-Check that input and output cables are secure at both ends.

I can hear a background hum from the speakers

-Ensure that you have attached your turntable’s ground wire to the ground terminal on the back panel of the JC 3

-Try changing the postion of the Polarity Invert switch on the back of the back panel of the JC 3

-Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other (while power is off).

-Try to route audio cables and AC cords perpendicular to each other (while power is off).

-Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.

-Ensure that the power amps and the JC 3 are plugged into the same AC outlet

The sound is distorted and too loud

Are you using an MM cartridge and the JC 3 input load switches are set to MC? Change the settings to MM.

The sound is weak

Are you using an MC cartridge and the JC 3 input load switches are set to MM? Change the settings to MC 100 Ω or MC 47k Ω.

When should I use the AC Polarity Invert switch?

If you hear hum and you cannot eliminate it by moving your cables around.

Should I use Balanced or Unbalanced connections?

We generally recommend balanced connections if your preamplifier has balanced inputs. Recording and broadcast studios use balanced connections almost exclusively because of balanced lines’ inherent ability to reject noise and hum, even when components are far apart and connected by long cables. Many high-quality preamplifiers include balanced input connections with XLR jacks for the same reasons. The JC 3’s balanced outputs enable you to take full advantage of the inherent noise-rejection capability and superior sound quality of its precision circuits. Many serious listeners prefer the sonic characteristics of balanced connections because their lower inherent noise floor contributes to a more defined and spacious soundstage.