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Old Gyrodec and some issues.. Analog Gurus Please chime in!!

Hey All, 

I just bought a new-used(very used) Gyrodec w/ Zeta tonearm and Sumiko Talisman Virtuoso (B) cartridge. I am have a couple of issues that I need to solve. 

1. Due to limitations of my room the TT will need to be placed about 15 feet from my main preamp/amp. This is a very low output cartridge, I believe like .26 mV. Given this fact is it possible or advisable to run a long interconnect (12-14 feet) from the phono preamp to my main system? 

2. I need recommendations for a good phono-stage that can push this tiny signal. My budget for new/used phono stage would be around $500. Or should I look into a good higher output MM cart? Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

3. Recommendations for the tonearm cable (the cable running from the tonearm to the phono stage) It looks to be a 5 pin DIN connection. Budget is $150-ish. 

Thanks for your thoughts and advice in advance!!!!
128x128birdfan
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Buy a Project Phono Box (transistor) and run a long IC to your line stage preamp. Any one from Audioquest, Kimber, Monster ... will do just fine! Least costly is fine! Ditto for the phono cable! Paying more DOES NOT bring ANY improvement in SQ (so burn me at the stake!). Keep the Talisman cartridge (a fine choice!). Real SQ improvement is the result of careful alignment of your cartridge (overhang, offset angle, azimuth and vertical tracking angle). Take care of this and don't waste money on fancy wire!
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
You have a truly fine TT, arm and cartridge! No need for any costly mods! Get the cartridge alignment done right and you will have years of excellent analog sound to enjoy from your favorite LP's!
dover
2,262 posts
 
@bensturgeon

This is a very low output cartridge, I believe like .26 mV.
Not correct, the output of the Talisman Virtuoso B is 1.8mv.
This cartridge is designed to work into a MM phono stage with 47k load. 

I used to sell these in the 80's and they matched well with tube phono preamps, but if you are going to use a long phono cable between phono and line stage, then you are probably better off with a solid state phono.

birdfan's avatar
birdfan OP
175 posts
 
@dover 

I looked around the interwebs and you appear to be correct. I was confused as the Vinylengine listing for this was .26 MV, but I didn't look closely enough as the listing was actually for the Virtuoso "A" not "B".  Good catch!!

Any recommendations for a decent phono stage for this? roberjerman above recommended a Project Phono Box, but I have had a bad experience with a broken phono stage from them and they did not honor their warranty and tough to deal with/communicate with. 

Any direction would be appreciated!!! 
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