Grado Statement Series

Doug & Twl, You're right. It is me reading cost into the equation and maybe I shouldn't be. I assume it's the way I read the original post. I was basing my opinion on the equipment presently being used.

Although, I was NOT thinking about step ups' in the $700-$1500 range. I have had experience with both the EAR and GSP units with great results. Both also being fairly significant investments for this application.

I have always felt that once entering into that level of investment, full blown adjustable phono preamps had the advantage. In this particular scenario, it would allow Colitas to experiment with loading AND gain settings for MM OR MC cartridges eliminating the need for any step up. I was also figuring something like a Monolithic or equiv. on the used market in the $350-400 price point plugged into the aux inputs on his existing amp.

PERSONALLY? If it was me? I would be either buying a cartridge with a higher output OR contacting Rega to inquire about a 56db gain phono card, to avoid the introduction of cabling, power supplies, etc. NOT to even mention the $$$.

But, the original poster wanted options.

A question for Doug and Twl.

If you use a MU stepup set at 20db gain (10x turn ratio) into a 47K loaded phono amp, according to info on Bent Audio web site, the effective load at the cart will be only 235 Ohm? Will that cause any mismatch with Grado Statement?

Ed,
Your approach certainly makes sense too, and either approach could be done for less than the cost of the Mu's. Lots of ways to skin this cat, or pull this cart if you prefer.

Sidssp,
A 1:10 stepup shows a cartridge a load of 470 ohms, not 235, assuming normal MM phono stage resistance of 47K. I think you mis-read BentAudio's chart. Regardless, your question still remains valid: will this be appropriate for a Statement Sonata?

The load needed by a cartridge if feeding a transformer is quite different than if feeding a gain stage. The goal now is not to maximize voltage output but to maximize current output without over-impeding the cartridge. This requires a much lower load. For MC cartridges feeding a tranny s typical "ideal" load is about 3x the internal resistance of the cartridge. The Statement Sonata is listed as having a very low resistance, just 2 ohms. If it were an MC you'd start by loading it down to about 6 ohms and experiment by ear from there.

Whether this applies to a MI or MM Grado I don't know, and Grado doesn't specify a load for the cartridge if using a tranny. One should probably ask Grado before deciding to go the tranny route. Good point.

Well to clarify Busics2 my system is listed above;)-~, why else do we spend the time listing them? I do have a Denon receiver with MM Phono input. I do want some flexibility Dougdeacon with carts. I would like to eventually try the ZYX and other MC'c also. I saw the Statement on the auction boards and could not pass it up. Having used the Reference Platinum before, I thought this was the next step for me. I wanted to hear the difference b/w the two series of carts. Thanks Busics2 for the output info, I just looked at the Music Direct catalog today(for the millionith time) and found that same paragraph that Fatparrot wrote. I was not understanding about the "physics" of cartridge building (less wound cable=less load). I thought the load was the same, D'oh. I found the thread about transformers in the archives AFTER I posted. It seems it's b/w BentAudio or K&Kaudio for step ups. I do understand they are different internally. I was thinking of a DIY project, since both are offered in Kit form. Sheeeeeeet, I just bypassed the fuse in my Maggies I can handle a full blown project;)?! My budget is an issue, especially on 7.50/hr. Do they offer audio scholarships? Does anyone know how much the MU KIT (copper) is? If it's comparable to the price of the K&K I would go with the BentAudio. Sorry, 4yanx. I followed every thing up untill the last post from Dougdeacon about loading down the cart. I guess I do need to call Grado and just ask? I have thought of selling the Rega Fono and just using the phono stage in the Denon receiver with a step-up. I did a shoot out b/w the two and I couldn't hear a difference. Granted I can't play the cart right away but it will give me the incentive to save and upgrade a little at a time. Well until then I have a Goldring(that fits my current system Busics2;) to keep me spinning until the early morn'!