2. analog
  3. 1034653498

New cartridge question

I have a TNT JR / SME 309 arm , BAT vkp-5 phono stage musicmetre silver tonearm cable. I am thinking about a
Lyra Helikon I know its .5mv , would the vkp-5 have enough
gain I beleive its 50 to 56 or would I have to use a step up transformer to make it work properly? Any other suggestions Please help me . Thanks David
cylinderking_1
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Ahhrr Twl, Shelter 501 vs. Helikon??
I would agree to compare with Lydian beta but with Helikon would pick up Shelter 901 to compare
twl
3,251 posts
 
Marakanetz, you may be surprised. There is more than one person that holds the opinion that the 501 is in the league with the Helikon, and that the 901 clearly surpasses it.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
In reality you should trace from cartridge output down to your speakers and even room.
Average power amplifier has 1V+- sencitivity for the full rated power. Having .5mV and driving it with 56dB will give you on output approximately 300mV. That is the minimal sencitivity should take place in your preamplifier. To have a minimal sacrifice to the dynamics you need to throw into the input of your power amplifier enough input to drive your speakers that are also rated db/W/m...
More to discover