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Phono Preamp Question


I have a Dynavector XX2 MKII cartridge (output voltage 0.28 mV) running through a Fosgate Signature phono preamp. The gain provided by the Fosgate does not appear to be high enough as I must turn volume up very high and that adds noise. Can any of you recommend a phono preamp that provides higher gain for me.
The rest of my system: VPI Aries Extended, ARC Reference 3 preamp, Magico V2 speakers.
Thanks.



 
gmsasso
tablejockey
3,809 posts
 
gmsasso-

Why give up on the Foz? Consider a step up transformer thru the mm gain setting.

I have a Foz and found MC's around .3mv and less work fine this way.
A used unit/IC's is much cheaper than a new phonostage, and no sonic penalty.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ciei-bob-s-devices-sky-10-solid-state

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9ci5b-icon-mc-step-up-transformer-phono





goheelz's avatar
goheelz
292 posts
 
I use the same Dyna XX2MkII cartridge with a ModWright Reference Phono PH-150 (tube phono stage).  Plenty of gain, and it sounds great.
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
At the risk of losing some street cred, I have the Schiit Mani phono stage and it sounds pretty nice with my older Dynavector.  I did have to parallel some capacitance to tame the highs a little.

Cheap schiit at $129, but sounds great!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,579 posts
 
+1 @tablejockey for a SUT into the MM input on the phono. 
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Thanks for the input folks. I'm going to roll some tubes in and out of the Fosgate to see if that changes things. MZKMXCV noted that the 60db of gain may already be plenty. I love the Magico V2s, but they need tubes in the pathway as they can sound lean without them. So, I'm reluctant to consider a solid state preamp.
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