Maybe the 30W Pass amplifier is a little stressed driving 87db speakers. That’s where I’d look. You should be delivering more than adequate voltage to the amplifier. But again, I’d give the cartridge time to break in for best bass.
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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@audphile1 Allow Hana ML more break-in time, it’s one of the finest cart I’ve heard under $2K. Once you’re settled with cart, audition a REL sub in your system. They offer 60 days money back guarantee along with free shipping (both ways). Once you hear a REL, chances are you won’t be able to live without It, they are designed for 2 ch audio with their proprietary high level input connection. |
@chayro I see. Ok. |
Any decent phono stage, especially a solid state one like the Sutherland, is not going to be rolled off at bass frequencies, unless there is a defect in the RIAA network, which I doubt. So, put more hours on the cartridge, and if you are still dissatisfied with bass response, see if you can borrow a Pass or other similar amplifier that has a higher power rating (at least 60W), or consider more efficient speakers. 87db seems indecently inefficient to me. |
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