2. analog
  3. 131817-94467

confused: which turntable cartridge used with Audible Illusions Modulus ?

Hi.. Hopefully,shortly, i will be receiving this preamp. it includes a phono section.

I am confused about low and high output cartridges and MC vs MM cartridges.

If anyone is familiar with this preamps' cartridge requirement or would like to recommend one for me i would appreciate it.

I was considering Rega Planar 3 which includes a 
  • pre-mounted Elys 2 MM Cartridge

  • WOULD THIS WORK?
thanks
 mike
128x128mikepaul
7 responses Add your response
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You are fine with any MM cartridges if you're talking about this preamp:
http://www.audiowaveshifi.com/audibleillusions.htm

 
PHONO SECTION
Gain: 28dB at 1kHz
Frequency Response: +/- .25dB of RIAA from 20hz to 20kHz
Signal Phase: Non-Inverting
Signal to Noise: 74dB below a 5mV input wideband
Distortion: Less than .015% at 20 kHz
Input Impedance: 47 kOhms
Phono Overload: 1.2v rms at 1 kHz (100k load)
750mv rms at 1 kHz (IHF load)

Rega Elys 2 Cartridge Specifications:
  • Output: 6.8 - 7.2mV
  • Stylus: elliptical
  • Fixing: Rega three point fixing
  • Coils: High Spec parallel wound coils
  • Color: Blue

    • tubed1
    161 posts
     

    You will not be disappointed with an AI Modulus.  I am very happy with my experience and the Clearaudio Virtuoso/Shibata.  At 3.2mv output I can't get the volume much past 12:00.  Unless this unit has the John Curl MC Gold boards then MC only.

    The output of a Rega Planar 3 may be a little high at 6.8-7.2mv as you can see it is not on the list.  Just means you may only get 1-5 clicks at the dual volume potentiometers from 0.  About 9:00 on the volume controls.  Maybe your ears can take it if your a rocker?  wouldn't want to listen to this one at eelehven.  Deaf soon to be, aren't we all....

    Further reading regarding cartridge compliance from the AI site:


    http://www.audibleillusions.com/technical/technical-bulletin2/

    mikepaul's avatar
    mikepaul OP
    223 posts
     
    OK ,thanks guys...now i understand that the output is a major variable.  simply put, i was looking for an all-in-one turntable.  the rega had good reviews and came with arm and cartridge...

    i never pieced a turntable together so maybe you guys can recommend another all-in-one for me?

    one that is a good match for the A.I.?

    my budget is 1000-1500.

    thanks again

     mike


    raymonda
    855 posts
     
    Mike,

    Try this one. It will beat the pants off most anything in the price range you are looking to spend. The seller could probably throw a cartridge in, too, if you pay his asking price. I’m sure he owns a AIM3a, so he is up on your preamp, too.

    http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Turntables/VPI/HW-19-MK-III/Jelco-750-Cruise-Control-will-consider-trade-offer/177451


    lancelock
    1,093 posts
     
    When I had the AI Modulus I also had a VPI Scout and Soundsmith Zepher MM cart. The John Curl phono section is one of the best I’ve ever had. 
    raymonda
    855 posts
     
    The John Curl board is specifically designed for low output moving coil cartridges. It was not designed for moving magnets.
    bdp24's avatar
    bdp24
    9,788 posts
     

    Ray’s recommendation of the VPI/Jelco combo is a real good one. I myself would much rather have that table and arm than the Rega 3.

    The AI Modulus pre is not a good choice for a very high output cartridge like the Elys 2. Not so much because of it’s phono stage (which in stock form provides 30dB of gain, I believe), but because of it’s line stage---a ridiculous 30dB there as well. Your volume pots (dual mono---ugh) may be barely cracked open at normal listening levels.

    Some guys like a particular pre so much they buy a cartridge to match it---that's like buying speakers appropriate for an amp you already own and love. Others prefer to choose a cartridge first, then a pre appropriate for it. Cartridges and speakers, being transducers, exhibit greater differences between each other than do electronics, some people feel. Others disagree. You will find out for yourself shortly, it seems!

    Log in to respond
    More to discover
    80x80
    Mutech Hayabusa
    80x80
    TriangleArt Zeus MC
    Cartridge
    80x80
    Kuzma Stabi S