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Phono Stage Gain - how does it impact sound?

Just upgraded from Hana EL (0.5mV out) to Hana ML on my MoFi UltraDeck table. Running Sutherland KC Vibe MkII phono stage. Max gain on the Vibe is 60db. Hana ML output is 0.4mV. Absolutely love the sound. Sweet, extended treble, vibrant mids, great clarity. Intoxicating sound. Soundstage is immersive. A huge upgrade over the EL. However, the bass is slightly on the lighter side. It’s detailed, textured, but lacking in the impact and dynamics department. Around 5hrs so far on the new ML but I doubt it’s the break in. I’m suspecting the 60db max gain on the Vibe isn’t driving my Pass XP-12 line stage to the fullest potential. 
 

Cartridge is set up as perfectly as I could get it using Dr. Feichert protractor - overhang, VTA, azimuth, stylus force all seem right. Imaging is dead on. 
 

Thoughts? 

128x128audphile1
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,277 posts
 

@chayro I see. Ok. 

secretguy
1,724 posts
 

My phono pre has 70db gain for MC. It is sublime.

lewm
13,166 posts
 

Any decent phono stage, especially a solid state one like the Sutherland, is not going to be rolled off at bass frequencies, unless there is a defect in the RIAA network, which I doubt. So, put more hours on the cartridge, and if you are still dissatisfied with bass response, see if you can borrow a Pass or other similar amplifier that has a higher power rating (at least 60W), or consider more efficient speakers. 87db seems indecently inefficient to me.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,277 posts
 

@mulveling yup that’s what I’m thinking too. 
@lewm the XA-30.8 is 30w in Class A. It goes out of Class A and well beyond its rated 30w/ch. When that happens the meter starts moving indicating it’s exited Class A. I rarely see that take place. I should be able to get a more powerful amp to test it though. We’ll see. And yes letting the ML break in. Playing record after record. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,277 posts
 

@lalitk we’ll see after I get 40-50hrs on the ML. I’m more inclined to give a Sutherland 20/20 with a higher gain setting available (64db) than having to add a sub.
As far as ML sound quality, I can tell you and everyone looking into a cartridge upgrade…jaw dropping difference switching from EL to ML. Exceeded my expectations.

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