MC phono stage without transformer?

"...I don't think one should approach the problem by setting any arbitrary "rules" regarding..."

This is what this whole thread has become about. In this relative world we live in there are simply no absolutes. At the risk of this becoming an absolute, having first accepted this, we can have inteligent discourse about the effective relationships involved. I think that Lewm's impedance "rule" is a perfect example. Many of the norms in speaker design that have become acceptable are at least as compromised as deeming transformer use in phono stages acceptable. Having said that I think that Raul's point re: the implied messages to the industry we endorse is an excellent one.

Raul is incontrovertibly correct about RIAA EQ. **Anyone** who says otherwise is not only wrong, but likely trying to sell you something :)

If you want to hear the recording engineer/musician's intention, your RIAA EQ should be correct. Incremental differences of a fraction of a db are readily audible, as the EQ covers a spectrum rather than a single frequency.

Again, just as in the case of detail, the better your system the more profoundly you will experience this. BTW I do not equate the cost of a system with how good it is!

Dear Lewm: +++++ " is usually achieved by using gobs of negative feedback " +++++

IMHO is up to the designer know-how and I don't want to open a new " door " on this thread about, suffice is to say that you can do it not necessary with " gobs of negative feedback ".
Now there is nothing wrong with feedback, in many circuit stages, if you know how to use, how to apply, where to apply and in which quantity.

I don't think about " rules ", what I'm trying to say is that a low output impedance in any amplifier is a desired one for a miimum speaker/amplifier mistmatch and for a better quality performance but like anything we always have to deal with trade-offs.

+++++ " If I could do it, my "rule" would be that all speakers must have a flat impedance " +++++

I could agree with this part of your " rule " ( only this part that it is not what you are saying. ), this characteristic can help to a better sound reproduction quality performance.

Regrds and enjoy the music.
Raul.

This thread seems to be veering down another path. I think it would be good for interested readers to go back and read this thread. Lots of good stuff!

What Makes a Good RIAA or Line Stage?

I had a recent demo and comparison of three SOTA phono stages,with one of them having the ability to apply the correct RIAA curve for "specific" LP's on hand.

The first two non RIAA selectable Phono stages(Vac,and VTL)sounded fabulous,and I would have been totaly satisfied with the performance,had we left it at that....

Then the change to the Zanden phono stage was made,and a comparison between the correct RIAA curve,and standard curve was demonstrated,by the flip of a switch....

The particular LP's being used were superb original pressing Decca recordings(I have a "load" of these)....

UNBELIEVABLE!!!....There was a vast improvement in depth,and distance between instruments.This was the most apparent difference I heard!....However when we read about instrumentalists moving in position while playing,it was "really" apparent to me now!

I left the demo thinking that SO many of the subtle changes and subjects we all have our "pet peeves" about(as SO important) are insignificant,as compared to having the ability to "fotz around" with the RIAA curves shown in this magnifico phono stage.

Guaranteed to deliver a totally fun few afternoons of listening pleasure,and experimentation, for the lucky owner!!


From what I understand the Zanden has the ability to switch curves for Decca,EMI,and Colimbia Lp's (I "think" DGG too)...on the fly!!

I have a vast collection of these labels,along with the Deccas.Unfortunately I cannot afford the Zanden,but those having the opportunity to compare the before and after effects of such a feature will be very impressed!

Sorry Dan,I had to get that in,and realize your "proper" direction to another thread.

Best.