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Phono Stage Gain Question

I have a Manley Chinook phono preamp.  I'm running a Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge.  All is driven by a Primaluna Dialgoue HP Premium into Klipsch Forte III loudspeakers.  

I have two gain settings on the Chinook.  45dB and 60dB.  By some sort of default logic I have always run things with the higher gain setting, figuring it was needed because I'm using a MC cart. 

Well, the Forte IIIs are pretty efficient so my volume pot rarely went above 9 o'clock or 10 o'clock.  But things seemed slightly congested as I turned up the volume.  Today, I moved the gain switch to 45dB.  Now, I can listen at 68-72 dB (checked with a meter) and the volume pot is at 12 o'clock.  If I want it loud I can listen up to 1 or 2 o'clock. 

My question is--  Is the a soft rule or notion that you should try to get away with the lowest amount of gain possible?  Or given the output of the cartridge should I select the highest gain (60dB) that I have? 

While my ears will ultimately be the guide, it seems like I'm caught between extremes on volume settings.  With 60dB of gain, I rarely move the pot past 9 o'clock and with 45dB I'm going to be running things nearly always at 11-12 o'clock and for louder sessions near 2 o'clock.  Does the position of attenuation matter?  

128x128jbhiller
tablejockey
3,922 posts
 
If you don't notice a loss of dynamic performance, with the lower setting, I say no big deal, unless you had the volume to max, then the amp probably will  maybe have noticeable breakup?
Maybe someone technical will chime in with specifics.
You're driving the amp unnecessarily?


I can switch gain while playing.
Using the MM setting, cranking the volume to match the hi gain setting results in a noisy performance. My phono amp is full tube/active gain. Just too hissy. Also seems less dynamic.
Your Chinook has the advantage of step up for gain and the JFet front end for nice quiet performance, even when cranked. I liked it when I had one, side by side to compare to my phonostage.


jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
Great, great responses folks!  Thanks to all.  I'm going to run things at 45dB for a few weeks.  I really appreciate all of the knowledge. And, Millercarbon, thanks for really diving in here.  Very helpful.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Enjoy your music JB!
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller OP
1,437 posts
 
Thanks uberwaltz!  I'm the happiest I've been with the system in years, which makes enjoying things much easier.  
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
That's really great to hear!
Wish I could find that happy spot but I think I am getting there!
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