Currently (not a word used to show that I never heard of Ohm's Law) I'm using three moving iron cartridges. 1mV, 3mV and 5mV. My phono amp has three settings for 'sensitivity' (ie gain), expecting respective inputs of 1.3mV, 2.6mV and 5.2mV. Now I can use the pre-amp's volume control and make everything work on the medium 2.6mV input setting, but it sounds like sh*t. Better I change the phono amp's gain to match the input, where it sounds delightful. I'm not sufficiently well-versed in electronics to explain that, but I'm sure someone here will.
Phono Stage Gain - how does it impact sound?
Just upgraded from Hana EL (0.5mV out) to Hana ML on my MoFi UltraDeck table. Running Sutherland KC Vibe MkII phono stage. Max gain on the Vibe is 60db. Hana ML output is 0.4mV. Absolutely love the sound. Sweet, extended treble, vibrant mids, great clarity. Intoxicating sound. Soundstage is immersive. A huge upgrade over the EL. However, the bass is slightly on the lighter side. It’s detailed, textured, but lacking in the impact and dynamics department. Around 5hrs so far on the new ML but I doubt it’s the break in. I’m suspecting the 60db max gain on the Vibe isn’t driving my Pass XP-12 line stage to the fullest potential.
Cartridge is set up as perfectly as I could get it using Dr. Feichert protractor - overhang, VTA, azimuth, stylus force all seem right. Imaging is dead on.
Thoughts?