2. analog
  3. 132148-369

Cartridge options for current gain phonostages (47 Labs)

Hi,
I have a 47 Labs phonocube which I have not been using because I do not have a "matching" cartridge. It is a current gain phonostage. Its input impedance is 0 ohms and it amplifies current rather than voltage. That basically means a low impedance cartridge is the first thing it needs. I had the ART-9 which is a 12 ohm cartridge and it was not a great pairing with phonocube. I am now in the market for a new cartridge and would like to buy a low impedance high current cartridge. The Transfiguration Proteus is one of them but it is expensive. 

Looking for suggestions on other options. Primarily the higher is the voltage/impedance value the better.
Budget is around $2k.
pani
pcosta
241 posts
 
From what I know about these Phono Cubes is the 75db version is for low impedance cartridges like the Miyabi's and the higher gain version is for higher impedance carts like Benz.
lewm
13,201 posts
 
I know nothing about the Phono Cube, but what Chak says is interesting.  In voltage world, 75db gain ought to be more than enough for even the MC2000.  I can't imagine what cartridge needs 90db.
pcosta, What you say about the 75db vs the 90db versions of the Phono Cube is interesting and surprising to me, because one would think that MC cartridges with higher internal impedances would be those with higher voltage output, because higher impedance is associated with more turns of wire in the coil, which usually means higher output.  But since I know nothing about the Phono Cube, I'll take your word for it.
pcosta
241 posts
 
I had a Phono Cube back in the day. The best solid state phonos I ever owned. Foolishly sold it for an over hyped Tom Evan’s stuff.

That is how it was all explained to me. Low impedance went with lower gain model.

Dynavector used to make a current based head amp that had a switch that would allow you to use higher impedance carts.  
https://www.dynavector.com/products/amp/e_pha100.html
More to discover