2. analog
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does cartridge output level affect surface noise?

I have a dartzeel phone preamplifier that requires the phono cartridge to be between .3mv and 1mv.

I am currently using the benz low output mc micro ace which is .4mv.

Benz also makes a .8mv medium output micro ace.

I love the sound of the cartridge but wonder if the medium output cartridge all else being equal (with the amp, cartridge alignment, turntable (technics mlk5g), tonearm, and isolation) would be more or the same or less sensitive to surface noise.

thanks

michael
radioheadokplayer

Showing 1 response by plato

plato
1,543 posts
 
Stringreen is right. It should be the same. Since you are at the low end of your phono preamp's input sensitivity it is doubtful that you'd ever overload its input.

The only other thing to consider is whether or not using more gain from the phono preamp adds to the noise level. If it's a well-designed unit, that should be about the same too. Also, sometimes changes in VTA and tracking force can have an effect on the groove noise. Happy Listening!
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