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How much gain is needed in a Phono Preamp for a 0.2 to 0.3mv low output moving coil?

I have been out of audio for 25 years and am now getting back into getting a system. I have looked at Manley Chinook, Ear 834p, and Audio research 5, 6, 7 Phono preamps, after reading thru many or post on Audiogon. All have about 57db gain to 60 bd gain. I have been looking at getting either a Dynavector 10x5, Benz micro Silver, Ortofon Quintet Black, or a used Benz Ruby Z (if I can find the money). Is 57db enough gain for the cartridges. I would also welcome feedback on the Phono Preamp. I am leaning toward the ARC PH7 or Manley. Either would be around the same price. I would prefer to stay with tubes. The turntable is a VPI Prime. Any help or opinion would be greatly appreciated.
128x128juke4u
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edwyun
244 posts
 
Ditto - VPI Dynavector 20x2L with 15dB SUT and 46dB on phono pre (61db todal) works really well with still enough headroom.
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nandric
4,086 posts
 

The obvious assertion in this thread (so far) is that ''any'' phono-

pre has just two amplifications , say, 40 dB for the MM and + 56

for the MC kinds. But I own two phono-pres (Basis Exclusiive) and

Klyne 3.5 with 4 amplification stages for the MC 's. The lowest

possible are recommended for the given cart. The reason being

''the higher the amplification the higher distortions''. So , say, 70

dB is recommended for low output cartridges. Before I become

member of this (analog) forum I deed not think to need more than

just one single cart. But because I also become member of the

so called MM thread I collected more than 60 carts, 40 among

them of the MC kind. I never bought any high output MC cart but

my collection ''range'' from 0.05 mV (MC 2000) till 0,45 mV

(Sony XL 88). So, I assume, the contributors to this thread own

just one LOMC (grin).

almeida100
4 posts
 
One of the recurring problems with PHONO stages is that they have a relatively low gain in MC, and values below 60 dB may be considered inappropriate.
Fortunately ARCAM has produced (and is still possible to buy first-hand) a PHONO amplifier with up to 82dB MC gain:  ARCAM rPhono.
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