Convert cartridge output voltage to db gain
If you just want to match the output of the CD player to your phono, just use attenuators on the CD player inputs. It will be a lot easier. But it won't address your noise issue on the phono side. Plus a 1.2 mV cartridge with a phono stage delivering 80 db of gain is going to sound absolutely horrendous. |
Jmcgrogan2, there is something I don't understand about your total system gain. The Parsifal Encores are ~89dB efficient, so they aren't impossibly hard to drive. From your AudioAsylum system list(linked to in a power cable review you posted), you have the VAC Avatar SE integrated(25dB ultra-linear/23dB triode) and the Walker Signature phono preamp. If the Signature is like the Reference, it has adjustable gain from 40-66 dB. |
Actually, the specs on the Avatar SE indicate that its preamp section has a gain of 24db, and its power amp section has a gain of 25 dB ultra-linear and 23 dB triode mode. It also indicates "Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes line stage)." So with the phono stage set for 66db gain, the 0.24mv cartridge output would result in 480mv into the preamp section, which certainly will not overload it (in addition to the quoted statement, additional evidence of that being the fact that it can handle the cdp cleanly). The 24db of available gain in the preamp section would boost the 480mv to 7.7 volts (into the power amp section) IF the volume control is turned all the way up. However, John indicated that the 2pm position provided a comfortable listening volume, as did the 10am position for the cdp. I don't see any problem in any of that; all of these numbers, and the volume control settings, seem very reasonable. I note, though, that the Avatar SE specs indicate 60W/channel, while John mentioned 80W/channel. John, can you clarify? Best regards, -- Al |
