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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? 

128x128audphile1
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,315 posts
 

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.
Also, the ML exposed certain qualities in my digital playback that I’m considering a DAC upgrade now (currently using Benchmark DAC 3 HGC) to get that same type of relaxed and vibrant presentation. 
 

Thanks all for keeping me sane thru this process! Much appreciated!

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,592 posts
 

“I’m considering a DAC upgrade now (currently using Benchmark DAC 3 HGC) to get that same type of relaxed and vibrant presentation. ”

@audphile1
Looks like Denafrips Pontus II back on the table, maybe a tube DAC from MHDT or Border Patrol :-)

audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,315 posts
 

@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. 

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

There are phono amps with different amplification stages. No problem with any

cartridge. I own ASR Basis Exclusive with 4 amplifiactions as well Klyne 

7PX3.5 /B with also 4 amplification stages. The idea is to use the lowest

ampl. for the given cart. The reason:  ''the higher the amplification the higher

distortion''.

 

macg19
950 posts
 

I ran my Hana ML (awesome cart for $1200) at 62dB of gain (lowest setting on the Goldnote PS10) and that was plenty of gain. I tried 65dB but that was obviously way too much, so based on my limited experience 60dB should be fine. (I'm now running an Aidas that outputs 0.3mv but still at @ 62dB).

The Sabrina's are full range and should not need subs (although I am a REL fan - but I pair 2 RELs with Harbeth 30.2's cause that combo cost way less and are much easier to drive than the Sabrina's, otherwise I would have bought them).

I've heard the Sabrina's with a Hana ML powered by a nice tube amp (I forget which one, might have been a BAT VK 80i) and they can slam.

I think you need a bigger amp. 

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