2. amps-preamps
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Phono Preamp Question


I have a Dynavector XX2 MKII cartridge (output voltage 0.28 mV) running through a Fosgate Signature phono preamp. The gain provided by the Fosgate does not appear to be high enough as I must turn volume up very high and that adds noise. Can any of you recommend a phono preamp that provides higher gain for me.
The rest of my system: VPI Aries Extended, ARC Reference 3 preamp, Magico V2 speakers.
Thanks.



 
gmsasso
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
At the risk of losing some street cred, I have the Schiit Mani phono stage and it sounds pretty nice with my older Dynavector.  I did have to parallel some capacitance to tame the highs a little.

Cheap schiit at $129, but sounds great!
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,821 posts
 
+1 @tablejockey for a SUT into the MM input on the phono. 
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Thanks for the input folks. I'm going to roll some tubes in and out of the Fosgate to see if that changes things. MZKMXCV noted that the 60db of gain may already be plenty. I love the Magico V2s, but they need tubes in the pathway as they can sound lean without them. So, I'm reluctant to consider a solid state preamp.
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"I'm going to roll some tubes in and out of the Fosgate..."

gmsasso-
As stated in the manual,the tube the makes the most audible change is V3(12AX7) 

Changing the other tubes will be very subtle at best. Very subjective. Over time, I've changed all of them including the rectifier, can't say it's "better" just different. The most important factor is installing QUIET tubes.

The Foz also seems to respond to a decent power cord. I also use AC regen(PS Audio Power Plant)



gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Thanks Tablejockey: What tube do you use in V3?
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