The output impedance of your cartridge is 6 ohms. You've no doubt run across the "25 times" rule regarding a theoretical optimum load of 25 x the cart impedance = (in your case) 150 ohms. The actual best loading in your system will fall in a range of 50% higher to 50% lower than that optimum point, in otherwords, 75 ohms to 225 ohms.
It's best to start lower, say 100 ohms, and then move up slowly: 120, 140, 160, etc. until the bass tightens up and stops being muddy/boomy (but without thinning out or losing strength) and you'll be at just the right place. |
I have the exact same 0.23 mV cartridge and depending on the phono stage in use with it, I highly recommend you set it for 100 ohms loading.
What make and model of phono stage are you planning to use with the DV XX-2 cartridge? |
I am using a Michael Yee PF1 phono stage, very versatile in terms of cartridge load settings. |
I am not familiar at all with the Michael Yee PF1 phono stage.
Is it tubed based or solid state?
What gain levels does it offer?
You will find that the DV XX-2 cartridge performs best with 68 dB plus gain. |
The Michael Yee phono satges has 4 input sensitivity options (for MM and MC) and load settings from 20 to 350 Ohms with a combination of 2 8 DIP switches, increments are every 10 Ohm until 150 or so and then 20 Ohm increments.
I have it at the highest sensitivity option (above 575dB) which gives plenty of gain to have it at the same output level as the CDP input option of my preamp, and at 30 Ohms (I will try the 100 Ohm setting and work out from there).
Am I heading to the right path?
Thanks a lot (all) for your help, it is highly appreciated.
Fernando |
OOpps , I forgot something - The MY PF-1 is a SS design |
Yes, you are definitely heading in the right path.
I assume you meant 57.5 dB gain is the highest option available for the PF-1 phono stage.
I found this about the newer PFE-1 phono stage:
http://www.michaelyeeaudio.com/PFE-1.html
They indicate 60 dB gain is the maximum available.
As long as you are matching, the line level stage of your pre-amplifier stage to somewhere just under or near CD input level, you are fine.
The major issue with the DV XX-2 cartridge is the low 0.23 mV output results in -12.8 dB gain and to get to the line input sensitivity stage of your pre-amplifier in use, a higher gain maybe required in most cases from the phono stage, hence the reason I mentioned 68 dB plus, as you are starting in the negative.
Try the 100 ohm loading and report back with your results. |
Yeap.. 57.5 dB (575 would be terrifying!!!)
I will try the 100 ohm loading and go back once I return from this business trip, thanks Xlr8or. |
Terrific!!!
Great sound at 100 Ohms guys!
Many Thanks !
This is the best cart I have had so far.
Fernando |
After some additional time at 100 ohms, I was wondering if moving up to 150 or 200 may create a more balanced frequency response, since as nice at it is currently performing, presentation leans towards the high frequency end - bass is OK, but I am sure there is a little more "juice" there.
Please advise.
Fernando |
If you increase the loading to a higher value over 100 ohms, then the higher frequency signals will even favour more in terms of dB output level.
I advise you compare the two settings of 50 ohms with 150 ohms, side by side and report back with further results. |
Flg2001: I agree with Xlr8or (based on what you said re: balance toward high frequency) and therefore want to revise my original recommendations.
I would start lower, maybe as low as 40 ohms or sufficiently low to hear "enough-but-poor-quality-bass." "Enough" means loud enough. "Poor quality" means boomy, muddy, bloated. Then add resistance just 10 ohms at a time (because your range from lowest to highest is so small) until the bass tightens up but still maintains good volume level. That's where you want to be. |
OK - will try at 50 Ohms first and post my findings, TXS! |
Please don´t laugh!!! :)
I went back to my phono preamp and tried the 50 Ohm "setting", different presentation but still funny sounding. Then placed the DIP switched for 150 Ohms and, while different sound, still got a non-convincing result.
Then. I noticed that I was assuming (+) the positions marked OPEN in the DIP switch bank... called a friend and informed me that CLOSED is (+), not OPEN.!!!!!!
You were right!! 100 Ohms sounds better!!!!
Thanks for your help.
Fernando |
Don'tcha just hate when that happens?!! |
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