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Increasing gain for your vinyl front end when pre-amp doesn't quite have enough juice

Hi Folks, just wanted to get your thoughts on what route you would go if your pre-amp (I’m talking about a normal pre-amp, not phono preamp) doesn’t quite have enough gain for very high listening levels for my turntable set-up. Now, on my phono-pre amp, there is a setting for maximum gain (schiit Mani) up to 59db, but the S/N ratio takes a hit and goes down to 70db, however, it does pump out the needed volume. What about the idea of putting in a good (inexpensive headphones amp/preamp - one of those $99 guys - like schiit Magni, JDS Labs Atom or Monolith Liquid Spark) between the phono preamp and the regular preamp? Does this have the potential of producing the needed gain while at the same time not degrading the signal too much (perhaps not as much as full gain on the Mani?) Just wanted to see what you all think. To me it seems like less items in the signal chain the better, but if it has a higher S/N ratio could be a better option? (with the added benefit of listening to vinyl through headphones, which I’ve never done before.)
bstatmeister
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,701 posts
 
As long as you can get it loud enough I don’t think there is any problem with your system. You are better off with the volume control in the higher range than the lower range. The only way to get headbanger volume is to replace those speakers with a speaker that is more sensitive. Other than that you will be spinnin’ your wheels! You will get used to the change.
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
I was actually looking at possibly replacing the Vandersteens with the Magnapan LRS, but just found out it's less efficient than the Vandersteens! (LRS is 86bd, Vandersteen 2C is 88db) I know that is not a headbanger speaker, but was still hoping to play that one loud, as well.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
my speakers are very inefficient Vandersteen Model 2C’s from the late 80s.


As far as i know Vandersteen Model 2C speakers sensitivity is just 88dB, this is the reason why you need gain and powerful amp.

The reason why i love High Efficient speakers (97-101db) as the opposite to the average 86-88db, is the low power amp that can drive them easily, my preamp is passive/active. But i never use active mode.

If you want to solve the problem forever you may need to look for some high efficient speakers like Zu Audio or Tannoy ? It can be a revolution in your setup (if you haven’t tried some of them yet).

As for the cartrige with higher output you can try some with 5mV or even 9mV. Maybe you can borrow a $60 Shure M-44-7 (9mV output) to check your system with it.
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
Sell those Vandys and get a pair of Klipsch Heresy's! For ROCK they get the job done!
bstatmeister OP
537 posts
 
Well, the Vandy's are on the 4th decade now. I love them, but they are old. Not sure what shape those old drivers are actually in. It may be time to put them out to pasture. My problem is that the speakers I want are too expensive (Vandersteen Treo $8400) That's why I was excited when I saw all the good press that the LRS was getting - and only $650) I was looking at the the Tekton DIs, but that one still may be a bit too much at 3K) although those are extremely efficient, dynamic and full range (Need my Dynamics!). but too ugly for WAF (although the Vandy model 2s not exactly known for their good looks either). Probably have more research to do for speakers for around 1k that are efficient and Dynamic
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