Phono Preamp Gain


Hi all,

I am in the process of getting a new cartridge and I want to make sure the output voltage is a good fit for my system. First off here's what I'm working with:

VPI Prime
Schiit Mani (30dB, 42dB, 48dB, 59dB gain options)
Prima Luna Dialogue Premium Integrated (239mV input sensitivity using KT88 tubes) (S/N ratio 81)
JBL L100

My question is what do I use for Vout in this equation to calculate the correct gain to choose on the Schiit Mani phono preamp??


20log(Vout/Vin)


Using the input sensitivity of the integrated and the output voltage of the  Soundsmith Otello ES Moving Iron Cartridge I get 

20log(.239V/.00212V) = 41dB gain

Is this correct?
My main issue is I dont know if my assumption to use .239V is correct.

Cheers



nmo25

Showing 2 responses by lewm

You cannot really extrapolate from one system to another to estimate the needed phono stage gain, especially if the line stage is passive. But amplifier input sensitivity, and speaker efficiency also play important roles. Anyway, the OP cannot break anything by trying different gain settings. And it seems likely that somewhere between 42 and 46d B gain is going to be ideal.

You don't really need to worry about any math equations, because you have a combination that cannot fail to provide enough gain up the chain, and because you cannot damage anything by experimentation. But if you insist, there are excellent calculators for converting signal voltage to db and vice-versa, on the internet.  There may  be one on the KAB website, for example.  For what it's worth, I am running an MI cartridge with output similar to that of your cartridge into a Manley Steelhead, with no added gain downstream from any linestage.  I find the 55 db setting on the Steelhead works fine.  My amplifiers seem to have a very high input sensitivity (meaning, full output is achieved with much less than 1V input), which helps. In your case, because you do have an active linestage section that adds 12db, according to others who posted here, probably 48 or 50db is a good choice.