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How much gain is needed in a Phono Preamp for a 0.2 to 0.3mv low output moving coil?

I have been out of audio for 25 years and am now getting back into getting a system. I have looked at Manley Chinook, Ear 834p, and Audio research 5, 6, 7 Phono preamps, after reading thru many or post on Audiogon. All have about 57db gain to 60 bd gain. I have been looking at getting either a Dynavector 10x5, Benz micro Silver, Ortofon Quintet Black, or a used Benz Ruby Z (if I can find the money). Is 57db enough gain for the cartridges. I would also welcome feedback on the Phono Preamp. I am leaning toward the ARC PH7 or Manley. Either would be around the same price. I would prefer to stay with tubes. The turntable is a VPI Prime. Any help or opinion would be greatly appreciated.
128x128juke4u
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Not all cartridges work well on a unipivot arm. I would research what owners of VPI's unipivot arm have had best success with. As suggested above, the ART9 is getting great buzz across the board so that would be a Prime candidate, pun intended. ;^)

Dave
juke4u's avatar
juke4u OP
50 posts
 
I try hard to make a good decision, so I don't have to go thru a bucket of cash trying to get things correct. That is why I started this post. I read reviews just to get a feel for the products but hearing from everybody on Audiogon that have the same interest, means a lot. Sincerely thank you all.  I know the end result is my system and my ears. I have been told by many that synergy is important. Partly the reason I went with the ARC amp and preamp knowing they would mate well and when I want to upgrade they seem to have a good following. I had checked out the AT Art 9 in the last post I did regarding pre and power. I think they were the first to use a nude Shibata tip many moons ago. It seems they have come a long way. I checked the web for an Art 9 and they are no longer made. I saw the Art 1000 and figured it was the replacement for Art 9, but I quickly realized I was completely wrong.
Please keep the comments coming. As you can see I need help but i am getting there.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
http://www.lpgear.com/product/ATART9.html
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
I just solved for this very situation.  Purchased a Dynavector 20x2L with 0.3 mv and my BAT VK-P5 pre-amp offered a max gain of 56dB which was not enough.  Replaced with an Avid Pellar at the 70dB gain setting which is pretty much just right for this cartridge's output.  
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Lots of good suggestions in the last day or two here. 
I agree with the brief comment that a solid state phono stage will give you a lot higher chance of quick success. It hasn't been discussed much in this thread(but plenty elsewhere!) that low level phono signals are most susceptible to picking up RFI(ie. radio)/EMI noise. Tube phono more so. Go with a ss phono stage with plenty of gain and you will high probability of quick success without headaches.
The Art9 sounds lovely and balanced, great with classical, perhaps a bit on the sterile, detailed, cool side vs. Dynavectors which also are frequently mated with VPI arms and tend toward warmer, punchier, more relaxed sonic profile that appeals to many. Either is a great choice. Cheers,
Spencer 
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