It sounds like you might get by with using the 24:1 tap, which would give the ZYX a more favorable (i.e., higher) input impedance. Failing that you can replace the load resistance on the SUT secondary (the 47K resistor in parallel with phono input) with a larger value one. If you go to 100K ohms, your cartridge will see about 100R via the 30:1 taps, which is at least in a better ballpark. (I don't know what is considered ideal for the LO ZYX.) The point is that you have more flexibility than you realize. Any typical amplifier will have an input sensitivity for full output of less than 2V. Of course, there are exceptions.
Does my phono stage have sufficient gain?
I am considering a ZYX UNIverse for my Granham Phantom Mkii/VPI TNT Mk IV rig. I use the EAR MC-4 SUT with a tube phono stage run in MM mode. I would prefer the LOMC UNIverse at 0.24mV output and 4 ohm internal impedance from what I have heard and read.
Do I have enough gain? Here my reasoning:
* EAR MC-4 SUT has four taps. Using the 3 ohm tap is 30x input or 7.2mV; I have been told that each 10x of an SUT roughly equates to 20 dB, so 30x equals 60 dB??? There is a 6 ohm tap at 24x (or 48 db???)
* The MM mode of my tube phone stage provides 37 dB gain
* My line stage using XLR out is 18 dB
Am I thinking clearly?
Thanks.
Do I have enough gain? Here my reasoning:
* EAR MC-4 SUT has four taps. Using the 3 ohm tap is 30x input or 7.2mV; I have been told that each 10x of an SUT roughly equates to 20 dB, so 30x equals 60 dB??? There is a 6 ohm tap at 24x (or 48 db???)
* The MM mode of my tube phone stage provides 37 dB gain
* My line stage using XLR out is 18 dB
Am I thinking clearly?
Thanks.