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High level MC or step up?

I will soon be in possession of a ARC SP-16 with a build-in phono stage (min 1 mV), and I have just discover that my current cartridge is a low level MC (0.2mV) that SP-16 would most likely not be able to drive. Should I go with a new high-level MC or a step-up transformer?
digmusic
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
I've always gone the medium to high output MC route with great success. Right now I'm using a Sumiko Blackbird. It's a great match for either my Bryston 1B's phono stage or my Pro-ject Tube Head phono pre-amp.

I love my Tube Head, yet I've read reviews complaining about tube noise when used with low output cartridges. With 2.5mV of output from the Blackbird, noise is not an issue, at all.

Dave
digmusic OP
12 posts
 
Dave,
Blackbird is acutally on my list of consideration. I will be putting it on a Linn Ittok, any experience with that combination?
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
No Dig, I'm using the BB in a Pro-ject RM10's stock carbon fiber arm. It's a very compliant cartridge. The Ittok and BB are both in pretty wide use. I'll bet that if you post a separate thread that you'll get a specific answer.

Dave
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