audio research ph7 & 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.

 
I chose theTransfiguration Orpheus with my PH7.
http://www.profundo.us/transfiguration/orpheus/orpheus.htm
 
Tim
 

Audio Research Ref 2 Mk2: Main output: 18dB Balanced, 12dB Single Ended
Audio Research Phono: 57dB for MC's
You have minimum 69dB gain for a MC Cartridge in this combination, that's enough for everything, the next step is 75dB balanced output

A MM System is a interesting choice. When you like it, go for it.