2. analog
  3. 148242-125055

Importance of impedance matching cartridge with phono stage?

Hi,

I just received my new Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated (which I absolutely love), and my dealer sold me a barely used demo Gryphon phono board for it which I installed into my new amp.  When I checked Gryphon’s site, I realized the board they sold me was Gryphon’s PS2 model, and not the latest revision, which is the PS2-S.  The only change with the new revision appears to be that it now supports a variety of impedance load settings for MC cartridges, including 20/100/200/499/806 Ohms and even custom loads using resistive jumpers applied to the board.  In comparison, my version only supports 20 and 100 Ohm settings for MC cartridges.

My question is, how much should I care that my Gryphon phono board does not have these expanded  load settings?

If it matters, the dealer gave me the board for over 50% off retail value.

I know relatively little about analog (the last turntable I owned I got when I was 5) and am looking for some informed advice here.  I could ask my dealer or Gryphon but I think their response may be biased considering they will likely want me to keep the board.  Not to mention I don’t think the dealer was supposed to sell me the demo board; Gryphon seems to care about such things.

Thanks




nyev

Showing 3 responses by nyev

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 
Thanks for the responses.  The phonostage was added for a turntable/cartridge I will get in the future, and as such I don’t know what cartridge I will get yet.  It will be my next addition to my system, and why I cannot do a test with how it sounds now.  That is why my question is whether I should care that my version of the phono board supports only 20 and 100 Ohm loads, and not the higher impedance loads of the new revision of the board.

From the responses so far, it sounds like I should be okay with this board based on the fact that 1) most MC cartridges should be fine with the 100 Ohm setting so there are lots of options, and 2) I can simply make sure I don’t get a cartridge that isn’t okay with this setting, by ensuring the cartridge has a less than 0.4mv output.

Right?  Thanks!
nyev OP
1,031 posts
 
Okay, thanks All.  I think that answers the question sufficiently and the 10:1 or greater ratio makes sense.


nyev OP
1,031 posts
 
Hi Kevin,
My dealer gave me a piece of paper with the instructions on it when I bought the Diablo.  Unfortunately I can't seem to find it, otherwise I'd take a picture and post it.
Suggest you ask a dealer.  Even if you didn't buy it from a store I'm sure you can find one that will send you the instructions.

The install process was simple but I neglected to set the jumpers correctly on the Diablo main board and there was some popping noise on the phono channel.  Was a simple oversight on my part.  When I corrected the jumpers the problem was fixed. 

If you have the DAC module installed, you will need to remove that first to install the phono module, and then reinstall the DAC.  So if you have the DAC, you will need the instructions for installing that too.  Again it's very simple, but with the DAC getting the angle right to maneuver it in is just slightly tricky, but it's nothing too bad.
Since my dealer was encouraging me to do the install myself, and I felt that I was capable of doing it, I did get my dealer to state, in writing, that they would honor my warranty if I caused damage to the Diablo or modules during the install.  They had no problem doing that and other than that one issue with the jumpers it went smoothly.





More to discover