Often caused by dust in the potentiometers (volume/tone knobs); cleaning them with an electronic contact cleaner like can often resolve scratchy sounds.
Ensure the volume is at its lowest before turning the unit on. Connect speakers matching the impedance (typically 8 ohms). Phono Grounding: Always connect the ground wire from your turntable to the on the back to prevent electrical hum. Kenwood Amplifier A-5j Manual
Understanding the interface of the A-5j is the first step toward audio mastery. The front panel is designed for intuitive control, but several hidden features are worth noting. Located on the far left. Often caused by dust in the potentiometers (volume/tone