2. analog
  3. 1261350841

Convert cartridge output voltage to db gain

Happy holidays everyone. I hope that you may help me with a problem. I have re-configured my system, preamp and amp gone, I'm now using a integrated amp. I still have my phono stage and cartridge. My cartridge has a 0.24mV output, my phono stage has 66 db of gain. This used to sound fine, but now I notice that the noise floor is too high for me. So I'm debating on whether to look for a higher gain phono stage, or more likely, a higher output cartridge.

So now my question, how much more output would give me how much more gain? Should I be looking at a 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0+ mV output cartridge? I think I need at least 10 db more gain, and there are not many 76db+ phono stages out there. So what do you analog experts think? Is there any table out there that can show me how to convert voltage output to gain increase? TIA.

Cheers,
John
jmcgrogan2

Showing 4 responses by darkmoebius

darkmoebius
900 posts
 
For anyone interested, here is an easy to use online voltage/dB gain calculator.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Jmcgrogan2, there is something I don't understand about your total system gain. The Parsifal Encores are ~89dB efficient, so they aren't impossibly hard to drive.

From your AudioAsylum system list(linked to in a power cable review you posted), you have the VAC Avatar SE integrated(25dB ultra-linear/23dB triode) and the Walker Signature phono preamp. If the Signature is like the Reference, it has adjustable gain from 40-66 dB.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Yeah Al, thanks for pointing that out, I posted that somewhere between 1 & 2am when I was a little too tired and not thinking clearly.

I'd just deleted part of my post just a minute ago, but you responded before I could re-write the whole thing.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
Yeah, not a lot you can do about that, except as you've already concluded. 1.25mV cart or up, it seems.

BTW, which cart are you currently using?

And, I forgot say it before, but you've got an awesome system. Bet it's musical as all get-out!

Here's the Avatar Super's manual(.pdf), which has the spec sheet on the 3rd to last page

Have you ever had the chance to compare the Avatar Super's built in MM phono section with anything else? Obviously, at 42dB gain, it doesn't have enough for your current cart.
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