Tube Phonostage help

My cartridge is a Benz M2 (0.8mV) so I can tell you from experience the EAR won't do it for you unless you go to a low output MC. I would not recommend using the MM setting on the EAR with a MC, only due to the fact that the load is set at 47k ohms (if I recall correctly). Most MC stages allow for multiple load settings, either via soldering, switches or plugs. That is why I did not choose the EAR, incompatibility gain setting with my cartridge in MC mode. You could use the MM setting on the EAR if you also go with a step-up transformer (EAR makes one, as do many others), which would allow you to set the load and gain to your cartridge. I found that 58db is a good setting for my 0.8mV (44db on the phono stage MM setting and 14db through the step-up transformer, cartridge load is 940 ohms).

Thanks for your responses. I was wondering if this could lead to cartridge problems because of the limited settings on these units. I'm not in a position where i can keep buying and selling cartridges until i find one that mates well. I guess we would all like to have an EAR 324 or the Manley Steelhead, but in my case i wouldn't be able to afford any software let alone a cartridge after purchasing one of them. Does anyone know of a tube phonostage within the $1500 range that will allow more flexible loading options? It seems the audio research and the EAR 834p are limited as clio09 stated.

Case04,

Feel free to email me if you like, but I'll outline a couple things here that may help you out. The Decware phono stages are a good value and Steve Deckert is exceptional to work with. While I chose the Hagerman Trumpet over the Decware it is only because I was in the right place at the right time and got an awesome deal on a pre-owned one. I may know of one available (not mine and not anyone close to me, something I heard of by word of mouth) and with the added cost of a step-up you may be able to purchase the combo for about $1500.

You may also want to check out the K&K Audio phonostage. Kevin Carter is another designer who is great to work with. While I have no direct experience with his phono stage, I know of others who have and like it a lot.

All three phono stages will give you load options on the MC side and will have sufficient gain for your cartridge. I can probably rattle off a few more but one of these should be your ticket.

an MC cart see´s an impedance of 400 Ohms via E.a.r. step up transformers wich is good for ACE L and M as well as L2 and M2...even my Ruby 2 sounds fine with 400 Ohm over the E.a.r....i had a M2 long time running on the E.a.r. and can tell that it´s a meaty dynamic and really colorful sounding combination...there are just here and there problems with overloading the following amp because of the 67 db gain of the E.a.r. and the high output of the M2 0.8 mV...but in my case it only occured when playing really loud 12"´s on 45 upm...i would go for an L2 or an ACE Low wich is a wonderful sounding combination with the E.a.r. and the resulting volume should also be more than enough...

by the way 400 ohms of the E.a.r. is a good value for a lot of other carts...if necessary you can have lower values while using Y adapters and RCA plugs with resistors of the appropriate value soldered in...i did the same when i had my ACE Low running but i liked the 400 ohm more than lower values. and dont be fooled of the simple construction and low price of the E.a.r. it has a rightness and musicality wich is hard to beat.