2. analog
  3. 1273591736

Placette passive and phono stage

Hello,

I've just moved from a complete digital system to trying out analog. I just got a Technics SL1200 MKII that I plan on doing the KAB modifications on. Before I start those modifications, I need to figure out the Phono Stage, currently I have a grado black cartridge feeding a NAD PP-1 then to my Placette. This setup is not acceptable, I do not have enough gain and there is a lot of surface noise.

My thoughts are as follows for the first upgrade. No. 1 - decide on Cartridge (I'm leaning to the Denon 103R), then get a better stand alone phono stage ($500 range), see if I have enough gain using the that combination with the placette, if not then I could get a step up transformer (maybe Jensen).

Does this sound like a logical path.
koryodell

Showing 2 responses by herman

herman
2,277 posts
 
I'm with Raul, at your price point you are much better off with a higher output cartridge. You need a high output cartridge and a phono stage with a low output impedance to mate with the Placette. I didn't see any specs on the output impedance of your stage but with a Placette I would recommend being in the 100 ohm or below range.

Surface noise isn't a result of your equipment unless you have a bad stylus, more likely the result of dirty/defective records.

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herman
2,277 posts
 
The 100 vs. 50 ohm is not an issue. They are both much lower than the 9K input of the placette. One has more "punch" because it is just designed to have a higher output. As long as you have it loud enough even if wide open with the ECD and it sounds good you are golden.

I'm a little out of the loop on phono stages so I'll defer to somebody else.

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