And the other question is you elude to both at once. Many pre's will do each but you will have to change gain and loading.
Phono pre amp
I recently purchased a new TT a VPI Prime with a VDH DD2 special MC cartridge, I'm very happy. I still want to use my previous TT which was a Denon DP51F with a Ortofon MM2 Bronze cartridge. My VPI is plugged into the phono stage on my Yamaha AS2100. The question is, will I get more out of the VPI if I buy a (better) separate phono stage for the VPI and use the Yamaha phono stage for the Denon? If so, what phono pre amp would be good for the VPI?
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- 33 posts total
If its .65mV that's medium output not low and just about any phono stage will have enough gain. For around $1k you should be able to find a good used Audio Research PH3SE, a darn good phono stage, good enough I was very happy with mine for a good 15 years. Only upgraded to Herron VTPH2A two years ago. My PH3SE was used with medium output Benz Glider, Ruby, and Koetsu Black Goldline, all with nearly identical output to yours. Other than that there's lots of good new phono stages for under a grand, and as others have said they will ALL be a massive improvement. Massive. As in what you heard going to the VPI that made you so happy all over again. Just like that. Don't forget though that with a phono stage you will also want to use a very good quality interconnect. |
So vdH is making the calculation for you in recommending a tonearm with 14g effective mass. That should not be taken as a firm directive. 12 to 16g would be fine. Note that effective mass should include the weight of the headshell, the cartridge itself, and the screws/nuts that hold the cartridge in the headshell. Most tonearm effective mass specs will include the mass of the OEM headshell. Since all those other items are out on the end of the lever, they can pretty much be added to the mfg spec by simple arithmetic. If you use an aftermarket headshell that differs in weight from that of stock, just add or subtract accordingly, in grams. I've got to disagree with MC on the idea that "any" phono stage would be adequately driven by 0.65mV output. Just off the top of my head, I would say you need at least 55-60db gain. My main point is that a typical MM phono stage will not do the trick. Those typically supply 40 to 50db, max. |
I’m very happy with my Tavish Design Classic phono preamp. Cheap by high end standards, dealing with the owner of the company is a pleasure. https://tavishdesign.com/products/classic-vacuum-tube-phono-stage |
- 33 posts total