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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? 

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Showing 1 response by nandric

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

There are phono amps with different amplification stages. No problem with any

cartridge. I own ASR Basis Exclusive with 4 amplifiactions as well Klyne 

7PX3.5 /B with also 4 amplification stages. The idea is to use the lowest

ampl. for the given cart. The reason:  ''the higher the amplification the higher

distortion''.

 

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