2. analog
  3. 1112759668

New cart, step-up or ???

Just got a Hagerman Trumpet to go with a Joule LA-100MKIII I recently acquired. Analog front end is Benz Glider L2 (0.25mv)/OL Silver/SOTA Star Saphirre. The Trumpet has 44 dB gain, the Joule 11 dB. I have run it as is, and the volume is fine at about 11:30-12:30 rotation on the Joule. Hagerman recommends his 20 dB step-up instead of his additional gain stage; or I could stand pat, or I could go to a new, mid output MC. Recommendations?? If a new cart is in the offing, what is a good match. Price of the step up is $850, addntl gain stage $500 plus 2 way shipping, cart would be less salvage value of near new Benz ($300 +/-?) What say you, analog gurus? TIA
128x128swampwalker
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clio09
3,360 posts
 
Swampwalker,

It's amazing I did not see this thread sooner. I have a Hagerman Trumpet that I am using with a LA-100 mkIII. I also have a SOTA Nova Series V and a Benz M2 cartridge on a Kuzma Stogi tonearm. I just got the K and K Lundahl step-up which now allows you to easily plug in resistor loads. I'm running parallel 47k resistors in a 1:5 step-up ratio giving me 940 ohms. The added gain of the 1:5 step-up is 14db. I had Kevin hardwire the output cable for me which I'd recommend. A great value for the price. Much less than the others you mentioned.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
I second Clio09 suggestion of a Lundahl step up. They sound way better than what their modest price suggests.
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
It's interesting that I once again disagree with Raul. I've been exposed to different cartridges being run direct into very adequate phono stages and through various transformers. In every case I preferred the sound of the trannys in the mix. Each his own I guess.
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rauliruegas
13,115 posts
 
Dear Lugnut: You disagree because like other peoples here don't understad what happen when a signal goes through a SUT and ( perhaps ) because you don't understand the live music.

Btw, how many hours do you dedicated to hear live music each month?
This question is for every single person that " loves " SUTs, too. Don't be shy ( all of you ) and post your answer.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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