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Phono preamp question

I have a low output cartridge, Lyra Helikon SE, paired with a low gain pre amp. While it makes beautiful music, sometimes I wish that I had more volume. At the present the volume needs to be at at least two thirds of the way up when listening to vinyl. And, I don't listen to music at what would be considered loud levels. To have similar levels on cds I have the volume control at half that level.

So, my question is, "Would a out board phono stage, such as the Rhea, that has more gain give me more sound level without having to crank the volume control 3/4s of the way up?"
agaffer

Showing 1 response by rauliruegas

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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 
Dear friend: If you are a music-analog/lover, then you have two directions: I understand that you like your preamp quality sound, so change your cartridge for another one that has a medium/hihg output. or second: change your preamp for a new one that will have a built-in phono stage ( no step up transformer inside ). I disagree with the people that use an outboard phono stage or stepup transformers, why? well the signal from the cartridge is a very delicate one and if you put another stages( outboard phonostage, transformers,adittional conectors and cables )always degrade this signal. In this case: " less is more ".
Go straight.
Best regards.
Raul.
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