2. analog
  3. 185651-160298

Matching the cartridge to the phono stage

Hey Everyone, I am new to this so please be gentle :) 

I am in the process of buying an amp that has the phono stage in it with the following specs with 3 options for the cartridge type MM/MC-Low/MC-High:

Moving Magnet: 2.5mV / 47kΩ

Moving Coil:

MC-High-Output: 0.3mV / 100Ω

MC-Low--Output: 0.1mV / 40Ω

LINE 180 mV / 47 kΩ

 

Now I am thinking of buying the Hana SL cartridge with the following specs:

Hana SL specifications:

  • Output Level @ 1kHz: 0.5mV

  • Output Balance @ 1kHz: Less Than 1.5dB

  • Impedance @ 1 kHz: 30 Ohms

  • Suggested Load: 400 Ohms

  • Cartridge Weight: 5 Grams

 

The preamp MC-Low says:  MC-Low--Output: 0.1mV / 40Ω

The Hana SL cartridge: Output Level @ 1kHz: 0.5mV, Impedance @ 1 kHz: 30 Ohms and Suggested Load: 400 Ohms. 

 

How do these values match ? As far as I can see I don't have the same voltage 0.5mv on the cartridge and 0.3mv on the phono preamp. I also see that 40ohm vs 30ohm. The 400ohms figure is only mentioned on the cartridge. 

Can this cartridge be used successfully with this phono stage ?

Do I need to match these numbers ? Can someone help explain this whole thing to me. 

Thanks!

ajones82

Showing 1 response by pkatsuleas

pkatsuleas
279 posts
 

@ajones82 

I was like you a couple of years ago.  Wanted to get into vinyl again but had no idea.  Back in the day I just put a record on and dropped the needle!  Never knew there was so much to learn.  Still don't know much about the specs, numbers, etc. but learning.  I picked up a mint used Rega Planar 6 and purchased a new Rega Exact cart.  Setup was super easy.  No spacers needed with the Rega cart.  It sounds great with any phono stage I've used.  Currently a Musical Surroundings Phonomena 2+ with gain set at 40dB and input loading at 47k.  Considering trying an Ania mc cart in the future but no rush. 

It's great that you are doing the research - kudos.  But, you might want to start simple with a Rega cart for the Rega TT.  Pretty much plug and play.         

More to discover