Novice sound/setup problems. Pioneer VSX305 & Kenwood KD

[Jiggs_Casey]

I've recently decided to upgrade my record listening capability, but it hasn't been an easy move. I don't have a big budget and the equipment that I have was purchased second-hand. I've spent about a hundred dollars to get the turntable working correctly. Now I believe I may have some problems with my receiver. I'll try to describe my setup and the problems as best I can.

Receiver = Pioneer VSX 305

Turtable = Kenwood KD-3070

Graphic Equalizer = ADC Sound Shaper SS-100SL

Speakers = Technics SB2480 (2)

As you can see, it is not an amazing setup, but I believe it is good enough for me . . . if I could get it working properly.

The problem I'm having is that the sound is only listenable through "Simulated Surround". The problem with this is that the volume is very low and I have to turn the dial halfway up or better to get a good, room-filling sound. Additionally, the sound is somewhat muffled. I can get a crisper tone by using the equalizer, but I don't think this should be necessary, should it?

When I switch the receiver to "Dolby Pro Logic", the sound is crackly and the voices seem to echo as if they're singing in a deep cavern.

When I switch to "Studio SFC Mode", the sound is louder, but still very scratchy. It still sounds like a cave, only now it sounds as if the band is right in front of me, playing through blown speakers.

I am a novice at setting up this sort of equipment, but I believe I have all of the wires in their proper places. I'm unclear on whether or not I've grounded the receiver properly. The turntable has a ground wire, which I attatched to the marked "Ground" screw, right next to the turntable inputs on back of the receiver. Correct? Do I need to do anything else in the way of grounding this receiver/turntable?

Unfortunately, I do not have the manuals for any of this equipment (yes, I do feel stupid for this).

I'm hoping that someone may have a solution to the problems I'm encountering. Please let me know if you do, or if there is any further information that I can provide.

Thanks!

[paul401]

Hi,
found this link, that appears to provide a download of the manual, have no experience of the site at all, but worth a look.
http://rapid4me.com/?q=pioneer+vsx+305
I'm off out, but will check back to see if this was any use, if not perhaps offer some guidance/advice.
Paul