Phono Stage Amp

thank you jasonbourne52

If your phono stage comes with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output, use the RCA connect to your Cary slp-05 might provide a better result.

I will. I always default to XLR but yes, I will.

@twoleftears My speakers show 50 - 100 watts and they show 4Ohms.

I am running 805's out of the 4ohms. Was my assumption wrong?

ditusa: Totem Winds. Wind - Totem (totemacoustic.com)

imhifiman: the output of the phono stage is 300mV

imhifiman: with volume halfway up on the SLP-05 using an Audia Flight CD player the volume is very high and no distortion. So, when I say volume halfway it is to my knowledge of the system which doesn't help you much. But at halfway with the TT the volume is 3/4 of the volume of the CD but with distortion. The mono blocks are the CAD805 Anniversary. 

mckinneymike: Pro-Ject evolution carbon fiber, I think, which came with the TT and a low end (I am assuming) cartridge is a Legacy. The retailer set up the unit for me. I checked alignment and the weight, and they seem fine.  

On a side note, I get fantastic results at lower volume. Strings and light cymbals or brushes on the drum sound amazing.... But I still suspect you are right. 

Thank you mulveling

Thank you Rodman99999

imhifiman: no spare but I think I want a better one. MC with better specs. Start shopping.

@armstrod 

What is the output of the E.A.T E-Glo Petit?

You guys give me a lot to think about. All good information. That is what I was hoping for. Then using my analytical skills (IT pro) to single out the most logical.

I did not mention my DAC. Although the musical reproduction is sad compared to the vinyl (through Bluetooth) - the volume is good with no distortion. As is the CD.

But the comment about underpowered mono blocks IS CORRECT. And of the Speakers IS CORRECT. But those are pricey decisions.

I have a Cary Audio SS 200SE or something like that. 200 WPC. I will temporarily hook that up while I research a new cartridge and phono stage using pre-mentioned advice.

a HUGE thank you to everyone who replied. Great group. 

@rodman99999 You make very good points.

My setup is a result of buying from "auctions" and assembling at half price retail. I did not do research beyond reviews. Is Cary Audio liked? Yes, so I went with it. Did Totem get good reviews? Yes, so I went with them. 

But had I done real research I would not have the same system.

On a side note: I also have a pair of Totem Mani-two that are even harder to drive.

Totem Acoustic Mani-2 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com

@audioguy85 

The TT; Cartridge and Tonearm all came in at $2,000. Yes, not cheap. But compared to what many others have, maybe not comparable. But I do like it.

I see a wide range of cartridges in terms of cost. Some many more times the cost of my TT. My system is a mish mash of disparate units except for consistent Cary Audio.

@mulveling My older M1:

MC input Frequency response RIAA/IEC ±0.2dB Input sensitivity 300µV in for 300mV out (at 1 kHz) Input impedance 47KΩ THD at 1 kHz 88dB “A”-wtd. Line level outputs 1 pair RCA (phono) left and right 300mV rms nominal

No dip switches.

Are you suggesting Bob's Sky 30 SUT? I looked it up and am reviewing it. It seems very reasonable and affordable. My MF is 10+ years old. 

@mulveling Thank you.

@mulveling For now, One more question; or asking for verification:

TT -> SUT -> MF M1 (MF M1 input from SUT is MM not MC) then lastly, Care in choosing RCA.

Ground from TT to SUT and, if necessary, ground also from SUT to MF M1

Am I understanding?

And If I add a higher output Cartridge it would be a bit better as well.

Thank you for your help. The more I think about it - this has to be it. I do get great volume from the CD and DAC for rock music. No distortion. Even the loud mayhem type rock like metal. Sometimes I just like to hear the JAZZ a litter louder than it lets me.  

@ditusa No the cat eye never has. I eventually turned it off. Figured if I ever sell the unit, it would be good if it worked. Eye candy, but not so much.

I do appreciate your help. Here was my thing: I had enough money but not the experience to think it through and plan my outfit. Instant gratification was more the thing. Plus: I WANT TUBES. Why? Don't those McIntosh look great? But not the right reason to buy gear.   

I do feel stuck. I don't have the money now; at lease disposable. And I am getting old. Already thinking about my daughter having to get rid of my junk.....

@clearthinker Thank you.

@ditusa Without feedback. 845 tubes.

@mulveling I am doing it all it all except the TT and Tonearm. The Bob's; the E-GLO and a cartridge.

May I ask one last question? Within a $500 range: what cartridge would fit in nicely with those and my 11.1? And so I understand you - why MM or why MC at this point with this whole new solution?

I do appreciate your advice and time spent with me. KARMA Maybe sometime I will somehow with or without you knowing - have helped you or someone you know, out.

@rodman99999 I finally started with your recommendation, I picked up a cheapy cart. It arrives tomorrow. MM. 

That is the fastest and easiest test. And it gives me a spare cart as well, when I am done changing / upgrading.

@dawgfish 

I am isolating the TT away from the speakers as of now.