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Phono preamp question

I have a jolida jd9 modded by mitch singerman that I run in mm mode with a grado reference 1 into an odyssey cyclops driving thiel 1.5's. My question has to do with upgrading the jolida. The odyssey is an amp with one input and a volume attenuator. The jolida has two outputs, lo and hi. I have to use the hi outs(1.8 volt output) as the 200mv of the low out is just plain enemic. The gain in mm is bit of a question Ive read 55db as well as 70db. this is the only stage i've had and briefly tried out a primare r32 that was nice sounding but flat(again with odyssey amp) I guess due to low gain (in the low 40's). I have no idea what the output voltage was. I'd like to try another stage but I find it hard to find any information on output voltages on any phono preamps. I've seen the ear834 has 1v though I'm not sure the gain in that unit would be enough. Anyone have any experience running into this situation that I hope Ive described well enough to understand even though I'm not sure exactly whats going on myself. As I think I understand it I'm running into this issue because of the passive/line stage input of my amp with most stages being designed to run into an active preamp. My plan in the beginning was to have a short signal path I just didn't realize how lucky I was with my choice of the Jolida being super high gain. Didn't realize my options would be so limited to drive my Odyssey- at least it appears that way. If anyone can help me sort this out or suggest a phono preamp I would much obliged. I have a feeling my amp is just not suitable to running a vinyl only system at least in the price range I find myself in 1-2k. I really like the Jolida I'm just curious about more expensive stages and what they can do and I don't have any one area I'm looking to improve on. thanks a lot for any help at all.
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I'm not an expert by any means, but I used a passive line stage (a trannie-based Sonic Euphoria), for many years, and had no issues with not having enough gain.

During that time, I used a Sim Audio Moon LP 5.3 w/ PSX 5.3 outboard power supply, that was a full-featured phono stage with great sound and versatility, and plenty of gain.

I ventured into tubes, and now use a Modwright SWP 9.0 Signature phono stage. It has shown itself to be a very good phono preamp, especially after the power supply was upgraded with one from Modwright.

I don't think your passive line stage is what's holding you back, you most likely need a phono stage with higher gain. You should be able to find a suitable unit in your price range. Don't be afraid to try a few different units, that's part of the process of finding what works best for you.

Best of luck,
Dan
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,675 posts
 
With a phono preamp you will need to know the input sensitivity. As long as your cartridge output is higher than the input of your phono it should be able to drive any amp. Some of the Grado's have an output of .5 mv's which would be way to low to drive most phono preamps. What is the output of your Grado? The Statement Ref 1 is .5 mv's and the Ref 1 is 4 mv's.
carey1110's avatar
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carey1110
566 posts
 
If you are using a passive preamp you will need lots of gain from your phono, also the sensitivity of your amp will also play a big role here.. do you have any trouble with line level sources driving you amps or do you have to turn it up quite a bit? If you compare your amps sensitive to the that of other main stream amps to see what the difference is .. Your amp may need more voltage from the preamp to drive it than you get with passive.. Trying to setup a great system with a passive pre is difficult especially with phono. Ive tried it a few times but always returned to active preamp. Savant Audio swore by the passive First Sound preamps and supposedly had good success with the Klyne phono.
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