2. amps-preamps
  3. 178575-175711

Phono Stage Amp

I have a mid-level to low end turntable. (Music Hall 11.1) and a low end decent Phono Stage Music Fidelity M1. Good tonearm and good cartridge. 

I listen to JAZZ so volume isn't too much of an issue, but sometimes I just want it loud. I have Cary Audio slp-05 tube pre and the Cary Audio mono block main tube amps as drivers

I crank the volume up just past half way and there tends to be distortion. Below half way the sound is incredible. The records sound better than the corresponding CD or, of course, DAC streaming.

Would upgrading my phono-stage to one with greater boost help me? Or is that half (my whole phono system) of my system as good as it could get?  

128x128cinqcepages
ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,926 posts
 

What speakers do you have?

Mike

cinqcepages's avatar
cinqcepages OP
52 posts
 

imhifiman: the output of the phono stage is 300mV

cinqcepages's avatar
cinqcepages OP
52 posts
 

ditusa: Totem Winds. Wind - Totem (totemacoustic.com)

 

 

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,926 posts
 

@cinqcepages,

You need a minimum of 150 watts the speakers are low Impedance and low sensitivity. IMO: You have a amp speaker mismatch.

Mike

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 

     If your system is capable of providing a satisfying SPL, with your CD/digital sources (typical output: around 2V), but: not with the output of your analog rig; the problem is obviously the lack of voltage from the phono stage.

     Either seek a higher mV output cartridge or a phono stage with greater gain.

     The Goldring Legacy (if that's the, "Legacy", to which you refer) is a LOMC (.25mV).

     Is your phono stage designed for LOMCs (60dB of gain, or better)?

 

      

     

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