2. analog
  3. 174873-1301

Cartridge incompatibility, Soundsmith and Luxman

I have a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star cartridge that sound really amazing, but I just changed to a Luxman L-590AXII and the gain and loading is fixed.

Output/loading for cartridge: 0.4mV, recommended load resistance 470 ohm

Input sensitivity/impedence for the amp: 0.3mV, 100 ohm

 

The gain should be ok, but the load is way off and you can clearly hear it. The highs are rolled off and I need to crank up the volume to be acceptable level.

 

So here's the question... what cartridge would work in this setup? Would love to keep the Soundsmith, but I'm not going to add SUT with additional cables and all that complexity.

128x128audiojan

Showing 2 responses by russ69

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

but I'm not going to add SUT with additional cables and all that complexity.

It's the best option and makes your system future proof. It's not that complex and you can stash the preamp anywhere. 

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 

I can't recommend a particular cartridge but the right outboard phono preamp will give you the adjustments you need to keep your current cartridge or any future cartridge. Perhaps a high output MC will work better for you. Personally I would not have a low output MC without an outboard phono preamp. Talk to your dealer or the manufacturer about matching a cartridge to your amp. 

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