2. analog
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To "Step up", or not?

I have a general question(s) about the use of step up transformers; Am I better off buying a cartridge that may be higher output and that matches my current phono stage, or buying a lower output cartridge and introducing a step up transformer into the system? Are lower output cartridges generally speaking, better than higher output? For example, I have read in this forum, and others, about the Denon DL103R, and Shelter 501. I would purchase one of these in the future. However, my phono stage only has a gain of 53db, which is not enough for these cartridges. To include one of these fine cartridges in my system, I would need a step up transformer. I am wondering if I would get better sound with a medium output cartridge and not have the step up.
1musiclover
1musiclover OP
58 posts
 
Twl and Rmueller01:

Thanks for the input.

Rmueller01 -- I am interested to hear what results you obtain from your existing system. Please let me know either by posting here or offline.

Tom -- If my phono preamp has 53dB gain max, and my preamp has 16dB max, can I get satisfactory results from a medium output cartridge? Or, am I stuck with high output?

If I decide to replace my existing preamp, what are some good tube preamps with high gain phono stages?

Thanks for you advise.

Mike
twl
3,251 posts
 
Mike, it's hard to say with certainty what output level from the cartridge will be enough. There are other factors, such as the amp input sensitivity level, that could play into this equation.

The problem with trying a cartidge that is on the low end of possiblity for your phono stage, is that if it is not quite enough, you're out of luck. If the cartridge is a little too high, you can always pick a lower setting of gain on the phono stage, or just don't turn up the volume as much.

I think if you want to use the Shelter, you'll need an additional 15db of gain, over what you presently have.
jaica
81 posts
 
With the denon you need more gain. The shelter is borderline, depending on the gain on your preamp. I would go with the Shelter, a better cartridge with higher gain.

You might not need to change your phono preamp. At a latter date you can upgrade for a little more gain, and better sound.

My $0.02

Good luck
ultrakaz
187 posts
 
The very best analog systems I have heard used a low output MC with step-up into a tube phono stage. However, both components togther were over 5K not including the cartridge.

Using a solid state (usually op-amps) high gain phono stage (Tom Evan's the Groove or 47 Labs) with a low output MC sounded very close and was a tad quieter, but lacked the last ounce of air and sparkle, in my opinion. Unfortunately, these phono stages are over 3K. Like TWL said it's about your budget.

For the moment, I'm running a Dynavector 20XH, high output 2.5mv, straight into a Music Reference preamp with tube phono stage and I am quite satisfied.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
For what it is worth, I have a Kora Eclipse preamp. It is a hybrid. The MC phono stage is reated at 55db gain, the line stage output at 25db. I was, at first, hesitant about whether I would have enough gain for the Shelter 501 Mk11 I bought. Suffieicnt gain is not an issue. I have yet to have the volume pot past the 9:00 position.
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