Once I added a subwoofer (REL 528SE), the bass became exactly what I was looking for. Likely cannot live without it now. Would love to add a second subwoofer down the road. That would be my suggestion - REL is the best subwoofer (IMO) for integrating sound.
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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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. |
@rdk777 thanks! The bass is fine in my system with digital playback. My room is relatively small and the Sabrinas pressurize it well. Not a fan of subs in a 2ch system… |
Run it for 50 hours, then revisit the VTA and VTF settings, finalising by ear. Dynamics should peak when the stylus is correctly aligned (more so with a fine line stylus than your previous eliptical) and the coil in the focus of the magnetic field, which may or may not happen at the centre of the VTF range. Change VTF a bit and the suspension changes the stylus rake angle so VTA needs to be reset to compensate. There’s no substitute for listening, even a microscope, though it will likely get you closer to start with. |
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