Gain and Loading


Hello friends,
I recently acquired a phono preamp with adjustable gain and loading. What should I listen for when trying to come up with the best settings? My cartridge is currently a Dynavector DV20-XH (2.5 mv output and loading specified as ">1000").
I currently have the phono stage set at 50db gain and 47K loading.
A related question: Should I be trying to use the minimim amount of gain that produces a good result, or the maxium amount? (Same goes for loading).
Thanks in advance.

Tom
tfkaudio

Showing 1 response by gregm

Gain: given the cartridge output, 40-50dB would be indicated. If you have a normal cdp, try to get similar amplitude (i.e. ~2V entering the pre section.

Loading: >1000 is hardly specific. While 47k ohm is standard for MM, it would be best if you could:
a) ask Dyna for their recommendation
b) ask Dyna for the cartridge inductance. Then you can compute the resistive loading as: sq rt L/C (or go to Hagerman's site to do it).

Failing all that, try 43-46-50dB gain & choose which gives the best frequency extension and THEN go down from 47k until you find the best setting...