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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? 

128x128audphile1

Showing 1 response by mulveling

mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,774 posts
 

I used Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 as my main stage for a while. Sweet sound, spec'd at 64dB but apparently measures around 60dB. There was a very clear line where cartridges ~ 0.45 - 0.5mV would sing with that stage. - full dynamics, good bass, balanced, sweet. Cartridges below that level would sound a bit lean, lacking dynamics, and slightly anemic in bass. Very unengaging. Those same cartridges did fantastic on other phono stages with more gain.

Of course I had plenty of preamp gain to compensate - it didn't help. You need to get the cartridge to phono stage match right first.

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