You may simply be getting more of The Truth from the transducer than you were.
VM540ML cartridge - what phono preamp is a good match
I recently upgraded to a Rega Planar 3 turntable, and put a Audio-Technica VM540ML cartridge on it, based on reviews and user comments here and on other sites. The problem is that loud passages with massed strings and/or brass seem to get strident, overly bright and distorted. That comes up frequently, since I listen to a lot of classical music.
Well, I found that this cartridge is spec'd for 47k Ohms resistance and 100-200 pF capacitance, which is nice to know, but Rega doesn't publish a capacitance spec on its tonearm wiring. My receiver (Sony STR-D515) shows 50k resistance but no info on the capacitance. So, I suspect the cartridge and the phono stage might be a poor match, producing the strident brightness I'm hearing in the upper range instruments, but can't verify in the absence of specs.
So, my question is, if you are using this cartridge (or a similar A-T VM line cart), what preamp are you using to get good results?
Thanks in advance!
Well, I found that this cartridge is spec'd for 47k Ohms resistance and 100-200 pF capacitance, which is nice to know, but Rega doesn't publish a capacitance spec on its tonearm wiring. My receiver (Sony STR-D515) shows 50k resistance but no info on the capacitance. So, I suspect the cartridge and the phono stage might be a poor match, producing the strident brightness I'm hearing in the upper range instruments, but can't verify in the absence of specs.
So, my question is, if you are using this cartridge (or a similar A-T VM line cart), what preamp are you using to get good results?
Thanks in advance!
Showing 5 responses by noromance
There are EAR clones online for around $600... Single tube phono amps are generally hybrid op-amp based devices with a tube output stage. Check out this guy's reviews of phono amps and lots of stuff in your budget. |
I can’t imagine the Sony has much of a phono stage. It’s a recipe for what you hear. But I think you know that. Look at a Schiit Mani phono or explore their products for a phono and preamp/power amp or look at the Mani with a tube integrated etc. Do you still have the Time Frame speakers? If so, try angle them upwards a small amount so the tweeters fire over your ears. |