2. analog
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Why is it that?

Posted this on The Asylum as well.

I have a VPI Scout turntable with the JMW9 arm and a ZU DL103 low output moving coil cartridge. My preamp is an Audible Illusions Modulus 3B (their latest and greatest)the tubes which were bought from Audible Illusions are well broken in and the preamp has an excellent phono stage. I use a Denon AU320 SUT between the turntable and the preamp. VPI phono cable is used for the connections from the turntable to the SUT and from the SUT to the turntable.
The cartridge is rated to be used at 40 ohms and my SUT has settings for both 40 and 3 ohms. Besides the significantly lower volume when using the 40 ohm setting, the sound seems a bit more romantic and rich which is good for certain kinds of music. However, when I play my rock from the late 60's up to present, I much prefer the 3 ohm setting as it seems to give me a more lively sound with a little more snap.

What are the differences between the 40 ohms and 3 ohms settings? Is one setting more right or wrong than the other, and why? Eventually, I plan on getting a Bob's Devices SUT, or have the John Curl designed moving coil preamp removed off my Modulus 3A preamp, and put on my Modulus 3B preamp. I am leaning towards the Bobs Devices as it will still allow me to use a moving magnet on the turntable by removing the SUT. Once the mc phono board are installed on the Audible Illusions preamp, you are stuck with using low output moving coils only.

Enlighten me please?
stereo5

Showing 1 response by vicdamone

vicdamone
850 posts
 
JC Gold phono board in the AI is most likely the same daughter board they've been using for years. To find out, do a visual comparison or ask John Curl. I wouldn't trust any other opinion especially the manufacturer.

IMO SUTs are band-aids that ad more connections to an already delicate signal. In this case…

["ZU/DL-103 PHONO PREAMP MATCHING

The nominal output voltage of the Zu/DL-103 Mk.II is 0.3mV and the nominal internal impedance per channel is about 45 ohms. We recommend running a step-up transformer for moving magnet phono preamps. A step-up transformer is not required for phono preamps that have a moving coil (MC) setting, setting your impedance between 80 – 200 ohms. Even so, you should consider a Bob’s Devices 1131 or similar."]
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