Guys...thanks for your responses; both are very helpful. The input impedance should be 47k or open since the unit uses RCA loading plugs for load. I have been listening to the Electron Images phono stage with my .2 mV output (6 ohms internal impedance) Dynavector DRT XV-1s cartridge. It does work; however, I have to turn the volume on my preamp to about 3/4 of full output to get satisfying volume. It also seems that the dynamics and bass are somewhat muted, which I think makes me want to turn the volume up even more. With another phono preamp that had 55 dB of gain, I was at about 1/2 of full output to get satisfying volume and dynamics, so my assumption is that the Electron Images must be 55 dB or lower. Let's say it is 50 dB...if I used a stepup tranny of 1:10, I think the gain would be 14 dB...so 14 + 50 = 64, which I assume shouldn't cause problems since I see many phono preamps with over 70 dB of gain. And I would likely be okay with loading since 10 squared = 100 and 47,000/100 would be 470 ohms. Am I way off base with my math? I'm also wondering if I could use some kind of loading resistor in the RCA plug to bring the 470 ohms down to 100 ohms...
Can stepup transformer be used with an MC phono stage?
I just purchased an Electron Images MCP-1 phono preamp and it seems to be a VERY good phono preamp; however, I'm realizing it doesn't have enough gain for my .2 mV output Dynavector. Doing a little more research, it seems that the MCP-1 works well for cartridges down to .5mV of output. Could I use a stepup transformer between my cartridge and the MC phono input of the MCP-1 without causing any damage to the phono preamp or other equipment in my system? If so, what specifications should I be looking for in a stepup transformer?
Thanks in response for any responses and advice.
Thanks in response for any responses and advice.