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CONUNDRUM

I'm fairly new to vinyl. In my haste to put together a fairly nice front end, I have created a mis-match between my cart, phono stage and my linestage. I have a Clearaudio Maestro cart feeding a ARC PH-7 feeding an Aesthetix Calypso. The PH-7 is over driving the Caypso with no way to reduce the output without sacrificing quality of sound. (attentuators don't work. In dropping the output, they also compromise the signal quality)) I can go to a low output MC coil cart, or change one of my preamps. I'm looking for a WARM sound with all the usual qualities one would want in a good sounding system. The MC cart seems like the way to go, but the $$ keeps piling up as it so often does in this hobby. Suggestions please.
handymann
handymann OP
391 posts
 
I tried both GOLDENJACKS and ROTHWELL attentutors. Both do the job they have been assigned, however I did notice a slight difference in the clarity of the sound. Having spent money to achieve more clarity, this was obviously not a viable solution. For some systems they might be just the thing and are for sale if anyone wants them.
Both the Aesthetix as well as the PH-7 are excellent pieces of equipment and sound VERY good separately as I'm sure they will together with a lower output cart. I didn't consider possibly needing a variable output on the 7, or a variable input on the Calypso-but should have. I really appreciate all the responses and various suggestions to help remedy my problem. A lower output cart is on it's way.
Soon, the Calypso and the 7 should be working well together.
dover
2,318 posts
 
Handymann,

The real issue is one you highlighted, that your turntable is way below the level of your phono stage and preamp. Therefore a good low output moving coil will potentially be too good for the arm and sound awful. My suggestion would be to find a lower output cartridge of medium to high compliance for the budget arm on your deck. My suggestion would be to look at the Grado MI cartridges as they have Moving Iron cartridges with 0.5mv output in both the Reference and Statement Series from about $350. The other recommendation would be the cheaper Benz MC's with low output as they are medium compliance.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,332 posts
 
How did you come to the conclusion that in-line attenuators degraded the sound quality? How did you perform a level matched comparison?

From your original post the phrase that jumped out at me is "in my haste". Has it even been 30 days since you got the new preamp and phono preamp? And now you want to change cartridges and/or one of the preamps. My suggestion is to slow down and carefully consider your options.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Your in a world of hurt.
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