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How to select cartridge output to match phono amp

I have a Musical Fidelity XLPS phono stage that has sensitivity specified as 350micrvolts and input impedance specified as 100 ohms.

From this I am not sure what level of output I need from an MC cartridge in order to work well with this pre-amp.

Would the Sumiko Blackbird with 2.5mV be sufficient? What about the recommended 47k Ohm loading for the blackbird? What will happen when connected to the XLPS with lower impedance?

Thanks for your help
John T. Riordan
riordan
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
The Blackbird is a very nice cartridge.
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riordan OP
1 posts
 
Thank you very much for your help. I found everyone's contribution valuable.

Yes Dougdeacon, mine does have an MM input as well, but I didn't even think of using it for an MC cartridge.

Thanks again,
John T. Riordan
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
John,

The Blackbird is meant to be plugged into the MM section. Not to worry, as a practical matter there really is very little difference between 2.5 and 4.5 mv in my experience. The Sumiko line is very good at their price point regarding surface noise. Any additional gain in using your volume control is more than offset by the cartridge silence in the grooves.
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