VAC Phono in Avatar Super


I have a VAC Avatar Super with a phono stage that has 42 db of gain. I have a Benz Glider High Output cartridge at 2.5mV. The documentation says it is appropriate with phono stages with gain of 40db or more and I asked VAC about it before I purchased. I have to use more volume than with my CDP and at higher volumes there is a background hum that is noticeable in quiet passages. VAC sells an external MC step-up network that plugs into the MM input that I think is like $900. Given that I have a high output cart, would the VAC step-up be a mismatch? Would I be better off going with a seperate phono stage? Different cartridge? Any and all advice appreciated.
maineiac

Showing 2 responses by maineiac

I don't think it is ground hum I am hearing, it is background noise from having the volume up to compensate for the low output of the cartridge (2.5). I have mine grounded to the ground screw next to the phone input. It would be nice to have just a little more gain I think. I am thinking of messing with some MM carts as suggested above just to see what happens. I would love to know how the Vac's phono stage stacks up against some of the well known brands out there.
Thanks for your input Doug. Mine sounds good but I don't have anything to compare it to. According to the VAC web-site, the Vac Avatar Super has a triode MM phono stage derived from the VAC Signature Preamplifier and Renaissance grade parts throughout.