phono preamp for Grado Master low output to C11


hi,
i got a great deal on a low output Grado Statement Master cart and this is my first delve into the low output cartridge - so naturally, the Phono input's on my McIntosh C11 don't have enough gain.

i'm willig to spend 4-500 bucks if need be on a preamp, but do i really need to go crazy? i

help pls?
128x128aaronz28

Showing 1 response by darkmoebius

Grado's makes it own PH-1 phono amp that sells new for $500. It has switchable 40db/60dB gain

Your Mac C11 supposedly has "Voltage gain 20dB aux, 60dB phono". So let's see how this works out electrically...(experts please correct me if wrong, I'm trying this at 2am after a long night out)

Grado Statement Master @ 0.5mV x PH-1 @ 40dB gain = 50mV output x Mac C11 aux @ 20dB = 500mV output

Grado Statement Master @ 0.5mV x PH-1 @ 60dB gain = 500mV output x Mac C11 aux @ 20dB = 5000mV/5V output

I'm hoping that the volume control on the C11 attenuates the input voltage before reaching the amplifier stage. If so, on the 60dB setting things should work nicely with the volume less than turned up all the way.