Preamp gain question


I am unable to turn up my CJ PV 10 pre amp up past 9 o"clock. Could the gain be lowered by using different tubes? I have considered using rca attenuators which are advertised to take it down by 10db but I am not sure if this is the way to go.
Also, I am using a Goldring 1042 mm cart (6.5mV output) Would going to a lo mc cart allow me to utilize more of the preamp gain control?

I guess I am trying to find out where my mismatch is occuring.

Everything sounds great but I have no control over low volumes.
zenblaster

Showing 1 response by newbee

If you are looking for consensus, I agree with Photon46.

I think the Rothwells are an elegant solution for the money involved and that most folks with ordinary 'high fi' systems and are mere mortals here will will not detect their presence. If you have a highly resolved, synergistic system, properly set up, and you have a well trained ear, you could probably 'hear' them and anything else in the chain as well, but I think for most folks not so involved, these easy to use, cheap and reversable solution can't be beat.

BTW, be careful with the thought about changing the cartridge to a low output MC. You would in all likelyhood be posting thereafter about the low level hiss coming from your phono stage - and need to find the lowest low noise tubes to make it quiet again.

And, if we are wrong, you've only spent $70. There are other ways including the lowering of the phono stage gain or the pre-amp output gain, or even going to a medium output cartridge but the possibilities of Rothwell solving your problem without surgery is quite high.