Table jockey inferred that you are using a step up transformer into the low gain input of your chinook. When I read your original post, I don’t see that. If you are not using a step up transformer, I am quite surprised that 45 DB is enough gain for the Kiseki cartridge. Therefore, I think the line stage section of your integrated amplifier is probably adding some gain to the output signal from the Chinook .You haven’t confirmed or denied that so far. That and your amplifier must have a very low input sensitivity, and your speakers must be very sensitive/efficient, indeed.All of this is just technical talk; I agree with the others that you should leave well enough alone.
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?
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?
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- 13 posts total