2. analog
  3. 1112759668

New cart, step-up or ???

Just got a Hagerman Trumpet to go with a Joule LA-100MKIII I recently acquired. Analog front end is Benz Glider L2 (0.25mv)/OL Silver/SOTA Star Saphirre. The Trumpet has 44 dB gain, the Joule 11 dB. I have run it as is, and the volume is fine at about 11:30-12:30 rotation on the Joule. Hagerman recommends his 20 dB step-up instead of his additional gain stage; or I could stand pat, or I could go to a new, mid output MC. Recommendations?? If a new cart is in the offing, what is a good match. Price of the step up is $850, addntl gain stage $500 plus 2 way shipping, cart would be less salvage value of near new Benz ($300 +/-?) What say you, analog gurus? TIA
128x128swampwalker
gregm
3,409 posts
 
IF the cartridge loading is OK and you don't sense any loss of energy (check this against a line source), don't do anything.

ALternatively, see if anyone around you has cheepo step-ups, of the rca plug-in variety (PE used to sell these). If you can borrow any, try to see if there is significant change in energy transfer.
I don't think there will be, or you'd be complaining about the sound in yr post:)

BTW, in the above, I'm not suggesting you gauge the sound *quality* (which would be more a matter of cartridge & phono).
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
With the volume control at "11:30-12:30 rotation" you have more gain available in your preamp. Why add more gain so that you can waste more in your preamp?
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