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Turntable/Cartridge/Phono Stage questions

My current system consists of new Mark Levinson seperates, along with Revel Studio speakers. My preamp..... a ML380S, does not have a phono stage.

Having said this, I have been absent from vinyl/analog for quite a long time, but I am interested in revisiting the format. I have an old B&O 4002 turntable which has been collecting dust for ages, but I would like to get it up and running. In order to do this, it would need a minor tuneup, as well as a new cartridge......which I have located. I must emphasize, it is NOT my intention to go crazy with analog, I merely would like to re-visit my old vinyl recordings........especially the OOP ones.

Herein lie my questions: I have been reading about MM vs MC cartridges on this forum. I am unaware of which type cartridge the B & O uses. (The appropriate Cartridge Model is MMC 20CL, EN, or SR.) Would someone in the know please identify whether these cartridges are MM or MC? Accordingly, what might be an appropriate Phono Stage for this application? Again, I do not want to go too crazy with this, as the analog thing will be a very minor portion of my listening experience.

It is my hope to obtain a relatively inexpensive phono section which will give me reasonable performance (if that exists). I also want to assure that I acquire a phono stage with the proper signal output considering the given cartridge.

Any suggestions, information and/or share experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the words of wisdom.

GW
v1rowt8

Showing 3 responses by v1rowt8

v1rowt8 OP
33 posts
 
Just to clarify.......I am aware of the source limitations of the B&O turntable and its respective cartridge as compared to the capabilities of the ML equipment. This is why I say I am not taking this seriously. I simply have the turntable laying around from years ago, and it would be fun to hook it up.

Having said that, I would intend on purchasing a phono stage which is commensorate with the turntable's capabilities, NOT the Levinson gear's capabilities. The whole idea is just to break out those old 33's, and revisit them at a reasonable level.

A related question comes to mind though, which may not even apply is this situation: Is a phono stage neccesary at all with MM cartridge applications? From my reading, it appears a MM cartridge's output is much higher.

Thanks for the education.

GW
v1rowt8 OP
33 posts
 
Thanks folks for all of your responses to my question. The cartridge is of MM design, and I will acquire a phono stage applicable to such, and see how it goes. This should prove to be an interesting experiment. Again, many thanks.

GW
v1rowt8 OP
33 posts
 
Hello Bob P:

My existing cartridge was damaged in a tracking anomoly. As you know, the 4002 is a linear tracking device. At the end of a record one day, the tonearm lifted off the record very very slowly, but not before dragging the needle halfway across the record in the "return to park" tracking cycle. It is my understanding that this was a common problem with this product, although it only happened once to me over many years. Anyhow, this situation partially damaged the record I was listening to, and destroyed the stylus. The tonearm problem is why I am having the turntable repaired (less than a hundred dollar problem), and also why I am replacing the cartridge. The cartridges are difficult to locate, but I have found one.

As for better turntables.......especially in my current system, I realize there are many better choices out there. I simply am not interested at this time in getting serious with analog. This is simply an inexpensive, entertianing experiment involving my old OOP records as well as a 28 year old turntable which I once adored. It is mostly nostalgic in nature, although it may precipitate a renewed interest in Analog. In the end though, even though my records are in excellent condition, any possible upgrade would depend on how well I re-learn to listen around the cracks and pops!

Regards, and thanks for your post.

GW
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