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Phono preamp question

I have a low output cartridge, Lyra Helikon SE, paired with a low gain pre amp. While it makes beautiful music, sometimes I wish that I had more volume. At the present the volume needs to be at at least two thirds of the way up when listening to vinyl. And, I don't listen to music at what would be considered loud levels. To have similar levels on cds I have the volume control at half that level.

So, my question is, "Would a out board phono stage, such as the Rhea, that has more gain give me more sound level without having to crank the volume control 3/4s of the way up?"
agaffer
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Rhea should suffice for Helikon SL if active pre is present after.
For SL version you'll need arround 75dB of a total gain.
agaffer OP
256 posts
 
Newbee,
I found your response very helpful. I am using a Hoveland pre amp with their built in MC phono stage. I don't want low level noise, especially when I have none now. So, will quit fretting over turning the volume up so high.
jphii
485 posts
 
I agree with Newbee. On my Supratek, I keep the gain switch on low and turn the volume control way past noon. With the gain on high I can sometimes pick up some tube microphonics, even at low levels. But, with it on low, I can crank it up with no noise.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Agaffer,
As long as you're getting uncompressed dynamics and not pushing the Hovland above its own noise threshhold then I agree with Newbee.

If you are experiencing either of those problems then I'd continue to look for a solution. A stepup tranny as BMCkenney suggested will not add any noise if you get a good one. It can even reduce noise, because you're not pushing the gain stages so hard. That happened when I added my trannies, but I had a new .5mv MC going into an MM phono stage and HAD to have more gain.
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rauliruegas
13,121 posts
 
Dear friend: If you are a music-analog/lover, then you have two directions: I understand that you like your preamp quality sound, so change your cartridge for another one that has a medium/hihg output. or second: change your preamp for a new one that will have a built-in phono stage ( no step up transformer inside ). I disagree with the people that use an outboard phono stage or stepup transformers, why? well the signal from the cartridge is a very delicate one and if you put another stages( outboard phonostage, transformers,adittional conectors and cables )always degrade this signal. In this case: " less is more ".
Go straight.
Best regards.
Raul.
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