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Doge 8 Clarity 2021 Phono settings

Greetings fellow AudiogoN'ers!  I recently purchased a used Doge 8 Clarity XLR 2021 edition to upgrade from my Doge 8 LP.  The line stage is a definite improvement, however I am struggling with the phono stage.  Either it has MUCH less gain than my LP, I haven't found the right settings, or it is defective.  I have tried different tubes to no avail.  I reached out to Doge via info@doge.audio but have yet to receive a response.  My cartridge is a Soundsmith Zephyr MK III.  I have a significant investment in 12AX7 tubes for the phono stage, and would prefer to get this resolved vs using an outboard phono stage.  If anyone has insight on the phono settings I would certainly appreciate it.

Ag insider logo xs@2xshamblinb
dirt13k
3 posts
 

Can you tell me more about the ground 

And what you did to resolve it. My Doge 8 has always 

had a hum. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
shamblinb OP
4 posts
 

I popped the top off and noticed there was a cable on the inside of the grounding bolt that wasn't secure.  I adjusted and tightened this cable connection, and that solved the hum issue.  My older Doge 8 LP does not have this ground connection on the inside.

FYI -  I eventually solved the gain issue with the MC settings, however I ended up adding an outboard phono stage anyway, the Hagerman Trumpet MC.  It uses 4 12AX7s and 2 12AU7s, so I could continue using my NOS Mazda silver plate tubes.  The onboard phono stage is very good considering, but the Hagerman sounds superior to my ears in my system.

dirt13k
3 posts
 

Thank You!

Im going to open the top and check it out. Mine is Doge 8 Limited Edition version with Brimar tubes, its sounds great except the phono stage, iIwas starting to think it could be my cartage. This is all new to me 

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