2. amps-preamps
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Phono Stage Amp

I have a mid-level to low end turntable. (Music Hall 11.1) and a low end decent Phono Stage Music Fidelity M1. Good tonearm and good cartridge. 

I listen to JAZZ so volume isn't too much of an issue, but sometimes I just want it loud. I have Cary Audio slp-05 tube pre and the Cary Audio mono block main tube amps as drivers

I crank the volume up just past half way and there tends to be distortion. Below half way the sound is incredible. The records sound better than the corresponding CD or, of course, DAC streaming.

Would upgrading my phono-stage to one with greater boost help me? Or is that half (my whole phono system) of my system as good as it could get?  

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Showing 1 response by artemus_5

artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,992 posts
 

@mulveling has given the best advice. 56db is not enough gain for a LOMC IMO. This is especially true of 25mv cart which is very low output. I believe your phono pre is failing to keep pace with the rest of your system. Many people my self included believe the phono pre is as important as the TT itself. You TT far outclasses the phono preamp. Your cart is fine and is not the problem IMO. It falls in line with Origin Live’s heirarchy of Vinyl budget. I’d be looking at a phono pre that is an equivalent match with the TT.

BTW 60db gain for MC is the minimum you should have if you are going to run 25mv carts. There are many more LOMC which have these low outputs, IE Zyx is .24 and my Benz Ebony L was about .26 or so. Lots of the higher end carts can be  below .30. So keep that in mind as you proceed.

 

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