I have Ref 2 SE and prefer so far its low gain setting with my current cartridge (a Transfiguration Phoenix, 0.4mv). Compared to high gain, low gain has considerably better tonal seperation, more refined soundstage and has more neutral and realistic presentation, it is more relaxed too. Soundstage and objects are thinner at high gain and less detailed highs (I use balanced output so 74db vs 51db). The pity with low gain is I need to increase volume level on Ref3 preamp considerably higher, even if I have not initially preferred to push volume on preamp and tried high gain on Ref2 SE, I always ended with switching to low gain. I am not quite sure if low gain is superior to high gain on Ref2 SE or 74db is too much gain for 0.4mv cartridge output. I am not decided yet but close to buy new flagship cartridge of Transfiguration (Proteus with 0.2 mv output) in this case there is no option but to use high gain stage of Ref2 SE. So if the current issue is due to too much gain on 0.4mv this should be corrected due to 0.2mv cartridge replacement. If high gain is inferior to low gain regardless of cartridge output, then I will look to get higher output mc cartridges as alternative (Clearaudio etc) or look for another phono preamp with better high gain.
Understanding Gain in the ARC Ref Phono 2 SE
On my ARC Ref Phono 2 SE, it has a high gain and low gain setting. I am having
to use the high gain setting for adequate volume output. The low gain is just
too quiet, even when I turn up my Rowland Synergy IIi volume all the way. Now, this was different on my Rowland Cadence where I could use the low gain settings on it and the volume would be just fine. Although the high gain setting in the ARC Ref Phono 2 SE is fine, I would like to use the low gain setting if at all possible as it optimizes the lowest electrical noisefloor.
So here is some info/technical data on my system:
Cart:
Dyna XV-1s:
Output 0.3 mV; resistive loading recommended > 30 ohms
Here was the typical settings I would have on the Rowland Cadence:
Low gain: 64 dB (high would be 74dB). Cart loading ranges from 30-400 ohms
Here is the ARC Ref Phono 2 SE: (I run SE from tonearm to phono pre, balanced out of phono pre)
Gain: 51 dB low gain, 74 dB high gain (BAL) ; 45dB low gain, 68 dB high gain
(SE)
Cart loading: 50-200 ohms
Output impedance: 400 ohm balanced out (recommended load 50K-100K ohm)
I'm guessing my volume in low gain on the ARC is due to running BAL (51dB)
compared to BAL on the Rowland Cadence at 64 dB. On to
something there?
Then I wonder despite the above if the pre amp specs may still play a role:
Rowland Synergy IIi
Input Impedance: BAL at 36K ohms or 600 ohms. This is switchable and default
is 36K ohms. Never tried the other lower ohm setting.
Output Impedance: Balanced at 80 ohms
Eventually if I purchased an ARC REf 5SE preamp, here are the ARC Ref 5SE preamp specs:
Input Impedance: 120K ohms balanced
Output Impedance: 600 ohms balanced; 20K ohm resistive load
So I'm guessing again its the difference in output in the BAL configuration low gain settings from the Cadence (64 dB) to the ARC low gain BAL (51dB). Any way to use the low gain setting in the ARC through my Rowland Synergy IIi to get adequate volume output without turning up the volume to maximum settings? Changing the input impedance of the Synergy to the lower ohm setting? Eventually would a new ARC Ref 5SE preamp help this?
Any input or advice would be appreciated as I would like to use the low gain setting in the ARC as I did in the Cadence.