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Question for Jolida JD9A owners

Anyone have experience running a HO MC cartridge through the MC High settings of this phono pre? How did it sound?

The reason I ask is because I am looking for a little more gain than my present system affords me. (Seem to be lacking soundstage and dynamics). Looking for an affordable (~$400) solution.

I have also given some thought to trying a MM cart (same price range) as a solution (eliminating the need for a separate phono stage).

Present set up:

tt: Pro-Ject Perspective
cart: Sumiko Blackbird (2.5 mv)
amp: Musical Fidelity A5 integrated (dedicated MM phono stage w/40db gain)
speakers: Legacy Signature III
interconnects: Blue Jean Cable LC1

Thanks...Steve
smthies
dill
2,542 posts
 
The JD9A has plenty of gain and is adjustable, you will not have problem. As to the Rotel, 70dB/75dB is lots of gain, could be too much for a HO MC ... as long as it sounds good as doesn't produce too much noise, it is fine.
grimace
624 posts
 
Miner - I've got an RC 1072 that I was using the p-stage in. Do yourself a favor and get an external phone-pre. You'll be amazed at how much better it can be. Even a cheap one - I'm using a ProJect Tube Box - will make a big differnce. The Rotels have an afterthought p-stage.
tketcham
291 posts
 
It's a good phono preamp for the money and is fairly versatile. I ran a 2.5mV HOMC cartridge through one and it sounded pretty good. I wish Jolida provided a better range of loading options for low output MC cartridges though.

I'm not familiar with the sound of the A5's phono stage (I'm running an A3.5 by the way) but you might consider a headamp. The Hagerman Piccolo provides additional gain settings of 12, 20, and 26 db plus a range of loading options. You can even get custom loading settings installed when you order it. It turns nearly any phono preamp into a very versatile phono stage for most any cartridge.

My only caution with the Piccolo (and it may be true of other headamps) is that it can be a bit noisy in some systems/surroundings and takes some effort to find the cure.

Tom
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