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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 2 responses by testpilot

testpilot
896 posts
 

Audphile, if there’s one thing I’ve been trying to get across to you it’s that based on the info you’ve supplied, your phono stage gain is adequate.

...and that assumption is supported by the logarithmic calculation of the total gain required by your front end components to drive your amplifier to full power.

 

 

testpilot
896 posts
 

The Vibe has 60db of gain and the Pass Labs has 9.3 db of gain for a total of 69.3db of gain. The cartridge output is 0.4mV and the Pass Labs 30.8 has an input of sensitivity of 0.77 volts. Total gain required to drive the Pass Lab 30.8 to full power is 20log (0.77v / 0.0004v) = 66db of gain. Total gain is not your problem, sounds more like cartridge setup and/or cartridge brake-in.

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