For anyone interested, here is an easy to use online voltage/dB gain calculator.
Convert cartridge output voltage to db gain
Happy holidays everyone. I hope that you may help me with a problem. I have re-configured my system, preamp and amp gone, I'm now using a integrated amp. I still have my phono stage and cartridge. My cartridge has a 0.24mV output, my phono stage has 66 db of gain. This used to sound fine, but now I notice that the noise floor is too high for me. So I'm debating on whether to look for a higher gain phono stage, or more likely, a higher output cartridge.
So now my question, how much more output would give me how much more gain? Should I be looking at a 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0+ mV output cartridge? I think I need at least 10 db more gain, and there are not many 76db+ phono stages out there. So what do you analog experts think? Is there any table out there that can show me how to convert voltage output to gain increase? TIA.
Cheers,
John
So now my question, how much more output would give me how much more gain? Should I be looking at a 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0+ mV output cartridge? I think I need at least 10 db more gain, and there are not many 76db+ phono stages out there. So what do you analog experts think? Is there any table out there that can show me how to convert voltage output to gain increase? TIA.
Cheers,
John
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- 37 posts total
Thank you Darkmoebius. Using this calculator, it looks like I would need a phono stage with 80 db of gain or a cartridge with a 1.25 mV output to match the 2.5 V output of my CDP in SPL. My guess was at least 10 db difference, but now I know that there is a 14 db difference, which explains the different settings on the volume control knob. Still awaiting Lloyd's reply. I guess with the holidays and all I shouldn't hold my breath. Cheers, John |
If you just want to match the output of the CD player to your phono, just use attenuators on the CD player inputs. It will be a lot easier. But it won't address your noise issue on the phono side. Plus a 1.2 mV cartridge with a phono stage delivering 80 db of gain is going to sound absolutely horrendous. |
Jmcgrogan2, there is something I don't understand about your total system gain. The Parsifal Encores are ~89dB efficient, so they aren't impossibly hard to drive. From your AudioAsylum system list(linked to in a power cable review you posted), you have the VAC Avatar SE integrated(25dB ultra-linear/23dB triode) and the Walker Signature phono preamp. If the Signature is like the Reference, it has adjustable gain from 40-66 dB. |
- 37 posts total