Adam, I’ve got two oscilloscopes, an audio signal generator, and etc. I’ve built and modified my own equipment, which includes Atmasphere amps and preamp. Even I would find Atmosphere’s suggested procedure daunting. There’s nothing wrong with following the few simple rules of impedance matching ( if you know and understand them and can do the simple math) and then using your ears. Down the road you might compare the results to the various kinds of active gain stages and see what you like best.
Question about loading with an SUT
I have a SUT that uses Cinemag 3440AHs. It is set up to have various winding options (thanks Ned Clayton). I am using it with an Apheta 2 and a Denon 103R. The closest winding/loading to spec that I can get with the SUT is a winding ratio of 1:18 with a 150ohm impedance. This is the best sounding setting on the SUT for both carts. I've read that 1:20 with 100ohms is the ideal for the Apheta. For the Denon I've seen some really wild numbers thrown out there but 100ohms seems to be the standard. I'm wondering if there would really be much of a difference if I had an SUT with the exact ratio and loading that is specified rather than "getting close?" It sounds wonderful now and I don't feel that anything is lacking but the devil is whispering in my ear "but what if it could be even better?"
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@theflattire If you hear differences between the cartridges its likely got more to do with loading the transformer correctly than anything else. @adam8179 That method I mentioned is daunting! Jensen Transformers did a lot of this work and so they have a pdf file you have to ask about that shows the loading their transformers are expecting, depending on the cartridge used. Plan B: place a 100K variable resistance across the output of the transformer while its plugged into your phono section. Find an LP of which you also have a CD or digital source. Play the CD or file. Compare to the LP and vary the control until the two sound very similar. Its likely that the LP won't sound as bright... At any rate disconnect the potentiometer and measure its value using a Digital Voltmeter on the Ohms scale and find a fixed resistor of the same value or very close. Right here is actually the biggest weakness of LP reproduction as opposed to digital; not noise floor, dynamic range, distortion or any of that. Its setup and that is likely a huge part of why digiphiles prefer digital; they just really haven't heard an LP set up properly and no shame in that.
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@mulveling I'm intrigued about the piccolo zero. The Denon has a 14ohm internal impedance and the Apheta has a 10ohm internal impedance. Is that low enough to work well with a transimpedance head amp? The Hagerman does look like an absolute steal compared to the transimpedance offering from Sutherland. (I did read the Herb Reichert review and he liked the Sutherland better but he better have for that much money!) |
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