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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 1 response by rauliruegas

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rauliruegas
12,869 posts
 
Dear Maineiac: +++++ " Given that I have a high output cart, would the VAC step-up be a mismatch? " +++++

Any step-up transformer is a mismatch for the quality sound reproduction on any preamp: always do a degradation to the signal.

As a fact your VAC was designed more for MM cartridges than for HO MC ones.
Now, out there there are several great MM cartridges that outperform the cartridge that you own ( for less dollars ) and many others MC top " names ". Look for: Goldring, Ortofon, Audio Technica, Shure, Music maker, Clearaudio, etc, etc.

I can asure you that you will be really happy with the MM cartridge.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
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