Low output MC to match my phono stage


Greetings,

I am in the market for a new cartridge and am considering trying out a low output MC. However, I don't know what output level I should look for so as to match my current phono stage.

I am currently using the phono stage on my Plinius 8200 MkII, and I am not interested in replacing it. The low gain setting is 1.5 mV RMS. The high gain setting is 0.75 mV RMS. The input impedance is 47kOhms.

To date, I have only used MM cartridges and a Dynavector 10x5 (high output MC). I am considering a Benz ACE, a Denon 103R, and another Dynavector. Do I absolutely need a step-up transformer if I go with the Denon? (If so, I can't afford more than the entry-level Denon.) Would I be better off with the medium output ACE?

I would be using the cartridge with my Rega P5. Presence and musicality are extremely important to me, yet I am on limited funds.
episteme

Showing 1 response by clio09

I had a conversation with Keith Herron at RMAF and he was also against cartridge loading feeling 47k ohm was fine for MC. I myself do not agree and while I respect his opinion I decided to buy another phonostage.

That being said, if you don't want to mess with swapping the resistor internally (although in my opinion this is what I would do as it should be very simple to accomplish), then another option is to run the phonostage in MM mode and use a step-up transformer such as the K&K Audio which allows you to easily plug in different resistor values to alter the load. For example, if you use 47k ohm in the step-up, combined with the 47k ohm in the phonostage you will net a 940 ohm load (don't worry, there is a spreadsheet on the Galibier Design website that has these calculations all figured out for you, its what I use). Again, I'd do this directly in the unit, but options are always nice to have.