Derek,
My system consists of:
Analog Front End: Shelter 901 (0.5mV), SME V, Michell Orbe SE
Amplification: ARC PH3 SE (with 3 white label Amperex 7308 USN), LS-2B MkII (Mullard Master 10M 6DJ8), Levinson #333
Speakers: Thiel 3.6
I had switched my cartridge from Benz M2 (0.8mV). Couple things that I noticed:
Although ARC stated the 0.5mV is the minimum loading for the PH3, you need something slightly higher. With the Shelter, I have to turn the volumne pot to about 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock for normal listening. And you can hear the hiss in the back starting at around 11:30 position. (I've been contemplating about a step up transformer)
Cartridge loading is critical. This might be due to my cartridge (Shelter). I just changed the loading from 47k ohm to 100 ohm as recommended by Shelter, and WOW! What a difference.
What cartridge works best for you will depending on what kind of music you listen to, and what sonic quality you prefer. Sorry, I can't give you more specific recommendations as I am not that familiar with the rest of your system, including your turntable.
FrankC
My system consists of:
Analog Front End: Shelter 901 (0.5mV), SME V, Michell Orbe SE
Amplification: ARC PH3 SE (with 3 white label Amperex 7308 USN), LS-2B MkII (Mullard Master 10M 6DJ8), Levinson #333
Speakers: Thiel 3.6
I had switched my cartridge from Benz M2 (0.8mV). Couple things that I noticed:
Although ARC stated the 0.5mV is the minimum loading for the PH3, you need something slightly higher. With the Shelter, I have to turn the volumne pot to about 11 o'clock to 12 o'clock for normal listening. And you can hear the hiss in the back starting at around 11:30 position. (I've been contemplating about a step up transformer)
Cartridge loading is critical. This might be due to my cartridge (Shelter). I just changed the loading from 47k ohm to 100 ohm as recommended by Shelter, and WOW! What a difference.
What cartridge works best for you will depending on what kind of music you listen to, and what sonic quality you prefer. Sorry, I can't give you more specific recommendations as I am not that familiar with the rest of your system, including your turntable.
FrankC