2. analog
  3. 148242-125055

Importance of impedance matching cartridge with phono stage?

Hi,

I just received my new Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated (which I absolutely love), and my dealer sold me a barely used demo Gryphon phono board for it which I installed into my new amp.  When I checked Gryphon’s site, I realized the board they sold me was Gryphon’s PS2 model, and not the latest revision, which is the PS2-S.  The only change with the new revision appears to be that it now supports a variety of impedance load settings for MC cartridges, including 20/100/200/499/806 Ohms and even custom loads using resistive jumpers applied to the board.  In comparison, my version only supports 20 and 100 Ohm settings for MC cartridges.

My question is, how much should I care that my Gryphon phono board does not have these expanded  load settings?

If it matters, the dealer gave me the board for over 50% off retail value.

I know relatively little about analog (the last turntable I owned I got when I was 5) and am looking for some informed advice here.  I could ask my dealer or Gryphon but I think their response may be biased considering they will likely want me to keep the board.  Not to mention I don’t think the dealer was supposed to sell me the demo board; Gryphon seems to care about such things.

Thanks




nyev
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
From the responses so far, it sounds like I should be okay with this board based on the fact that 1) most MC cartridges should be fine with the 100 Ohm setting so there are lots of options, and 2) I can simply make sure I don’t get a cartridge that isn’t okay with this setting, by ensuring the cartridge has a less than 0.4mv output. 


Yes you will be okay. But no, its nothing to do with output. Different MC cartridges sound better with different loading, but it has nothing to do with their output level. Where you care about output is if the cart is very low output, making sure you have enough gain.

The reason you don't care about the loading is its so easy to get whatever you want. Buy resistor. Swap resistor. Listen. Repeat. A little extra hassle, well worth it for the savings I would think.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,901 posts
 
Certainly listen with no resistor at all first.


lewm
13,228 posts
 
Why i suggested you search the archives.
The original suggestion that cartridges with output below 0.4 would work with 100 ohm load was probably based on the assumption that such cartridges typically have an internal resistance at or below about 10 ohms.  You want a ratio of about 1:10 or >10 between those two values. However there are exceptions. Denon for example; their DL103 has a high internal resistance yet low output and would not be well suited to your Gryphon. And finally you need to know that your phono section has sufficient gain for these low output MCs. Don’t buy a high output MC for this setup.
nyev OP
1,031 posts
 
Okay, thanks All.  I think that answers the question sufficiently and the 10:1 or greater ratio makes sense.


kevinodriscoll's avatar
kevinodriscoll
8 posts
 
Hi Nyev! I’ve been trying to find out how the phono module is installed. I picked up the newer version (used) for my Diablo and the former owner has been very helpful, but knowing that you installed your own I was hoping that you could help me out. Thanks!!!
Kevin O’Driscoll 
More to discover