audio research ph7 & Cartridge

Hi Rojo,
what a beautiful 'Mojo' :-)

In my experience both carts would still work with 57dB gain. Of course switching to CD would mean going down in volume, as I'm guessing the Audio Research Ref 2 mk2 does not have variable input gain settings. If it has, it's even less of an issue.

I do not know the 'Benz Micro lps', but its output = the Ortofon Jubilee. All things being equal, Benz ~ Jubilee? I'd go for the Windfeld, but there may be more knowledgeable opinion to come.

Great component!
Axel

Don't do it. I have a ph-5 which has the same gain as your ph-7. I was running a low-output Benz cartride and the system had no dynamics. It sounded dead. I recently traded my cartrige in for the new style Benz wood body. It has medium output. The dynamics are back and the system is alive again. Don't make the mistake I did. Go with a medium output cartridge.

Hi Taters,
interesting point you make. This seems to play right into my notion that higher cart output 'empowers' the phono-pre :-)

I found this to be true using MM! carts. (Raul of course knows there is more to it still).

I also can now safely presume that the Audio Research Ref 2 mk2 has no input gain adjustment?

My ML-326S goes 0dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB up. This type of feature would make up very easily for the missing 6 or 12dB gain.

In fact, I use the 60dB phono-modules setting with the 0dB input gain of the line-pre and run 3.5 - 5mV MM carts into it with no overload issue at all. And it DYNAMIC, as you would suggest.

So, a lot depends on equipment 'flexibility'. Your point on loosing dynamics is something I can put into my 'database'.

Good luck,
Axel

today a dealer showed me a musicmaker classic mm cartridge, he said that this will work fine. He told me that this will be very musical.

rojo

I've heard the Ph7 with several low output MC cartridges. They always sound great. the Dynavectors were down to .25 output and the ARC was very nice. IMO the 57db it offers works with this phonostage.