First, give the suspension time to break in before you expect best bass response and definition. Second, your dataset related to gain is incomplete. What are the input sensitivity and gain of your Pass linestage? (Your phono stage gain can amplify the 0.4mV output of your cartridge to 0.4V. Find out if that's enough for your linestage. Very likely it is more than adequate. And you can add linestage gain to the 60db gain of your phono stage.) What is the input sensitivity of your amplifier, sensitivity of your speakers, size of your room, typical SPL in your room. All of these factors affect your sense that gain is adequate, but I suspect you are OK at least up to the amplifier output.
Phono Stage Gain - how does it impact sound?
Just upgraded from Hana EL (0.5mV out) to Hana ML on my MoFi UltraDeck table. Running Sutherland KC Vibe MkII phono stage. Max gain on the Vibe is 60db. Hana ML output is 0.4mV. Absolutely love the sound. Sweet, extended treble, vibrant mids, great clarity. Intoxicating sound. Soundstage is immersive. A huge upgrade over the EL. However, the bass is slightly on the lighter side. It’s detailed, textured, but lacking in the impact and dynamics department. Around 5hrs so far on the new ML but I doubt it’s the break in. I’m suspecting the 60db max gain on the Vibe isn’t driving my Pass XP-12 line stage to the fullest potential.
Cartridge is set up as perfectly as I could get it using Dr. Feichert protractor - overhang, VTA, azimuth, stylus force all seem right. Imaging is dead on.
Thoughts?
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@lewm I can’t find the input sensitivity for my Pass XP-12. It’s rated at 9.3db gain. I’m running the Sutherland single ended into the XP-12 and XLRs from XP-12 to Pass XA-30.8 amp. There’s no compatibility issues between the Pass components. Speakers are Wilson Sabrina rated at 87db, 4ohm. True I can crank the volume up on the preamp but that’s not the solution as I’m talking lack of bass slam at 86-90db listening levels. It’s not terrible by any means but I’m still wondering if the 60db from the Vibe is sufficient. Good point on cartridge suspension, it hadn’t have a chance to settle yet. |
I use a PS Audio Stellar which can toggle gain settings between 60-72db. I definitely use gain settings to get more slam and bass. At max gain, the sound presentation is more forward, fuller, and has more bass. Of course most times these attributes become too much of a good thing, so I generally run phono at 66db. |
@arize84 you’re confirming my suspicion. |
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