Connecting a turntable to my mini hi fi

[childminder]

I have been given a turntable which I want to connect to my existing Technics mini hifi system. The turntable has its own power on phono plugs at the back one red one white. When I use a cable to connect to my hi fi it works but the volume is very low and I need to turn it up almost as far as it will go to be able to listen and then there some distortion. What is the problem? The turntable as far as I'm aware worked perfectly when owned by my Grandfather and my stereo works fine without the turntable. Please help - I'm desperate to get out the old record collection currently gathering dust in my loft.

[rojash]

If the turntable is equipped with a magnetic cartridge, then the output will be insufficient to drive the line input of your mini hifi. Larger (older?) hifi systems had an input specifically designed for magnetic cartridges. Your choices would seem to be:

Replace the cartridge with a crystal or ceramic one
or
Invest in a magnetic cartridge pre-amplifier.