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?
Dear @audphile1 : I think you are in a " hurry " with a nec mc cartridge. Any cartridge needs at least 50 hours to sttle down many even more than that, During those first 50 hours you need to run the cartridge at the high manufacturer vtf limit and could be better 60 hours. After those 60 hours you must re-set the overall cartridge/tonearm alingment and cartridge set up parameters and that's it.
Be patience.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
doing my best…
@rauliruegas yup that’s the only plan for now. And yes I’m running it @2gr VTF which is the recommended stylus force. Initial setting was 1.97-1.98gr but I changed it to 2gr |
Update…the new Hana ML is settling in nicely. The bass is not so much a concern anymore. I’ve played a lot of records so far and am massively impressed with the sound quality. Looks like the break in is a thing with this cartridge and more so than with any other cartridge I owned in the past. The UltraDeck together with the Sutherland KC Vibe MkII just let it all shine. And this is with the BlueJeans RCA between the phono stage and my preamp! That’ll be a link in this chain that begs for an upgrade now. I haven’t tried any other phono stage with higher gain yet but am not in a hurry to do so yet. Thanks all for keeping me sane thru this process! Much appreciated! |
“I’m considering a DAC upgrade now (currently using Benchmark DAC 3 HGC) to get that same type of relaxed and vibrant presentation. ” @audphile1 |
@lalitk not sure yet anything is possible :) need to get something that’s on the level with the rest of my gear. Benchmark is great by way and it won’t be easy to beat it. |
