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Thinking about new cartridge

I am thinking of replaceing old faithful (benz glider) I have a TNT JR/ SME 309/ BAT vkp-5/ ZU xaus phono cable.
I am leaning towards a ruby H .8 output because of only 56db of gain in the vkp-5. I am unsure if .5 output would be enough, if it is it opens up a bunch of contenders, shelter 901/ lyra heikon/ VDH black beauty/ ZYX 100fs-h. I dont want to shell out a bunch of coin and find out later it could have been better.
Also I am concerned which one is a good match to the SME 309 arm. All comments and feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thanks David
cylinderking_1

Showing 1 response by gboren

gboren
143 posts
 
56dB should be enough for a .5mV cartridge, but I wouldn't push it further.

I know it's hard to demo a cartridge. Could you bring your phono stage into a dealer who has a .5dB cartridge already hooked up? You could at least get a sense if your phono stage is up to the task. It would be worth the trouble because some of the carts you mention are wonderful (particularly the Lyra Helikon). Good luck.
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