The integrated has no either pre out or power in, so I would have to use regular line in input, this will bring compatibilty issues. Besides, I see nothing under $2k-$3k new worthy of my attention, plus $500 used interconnect, at least. Putting active preamp, preferably tube, in between phono and integrated is, of course, the first idea that I had. |
Inserting transformer? Interesting idea.
As I wrote in another thread, I currently use tape deck monitor as a kind of active preamp and run phono through the deck. This gives me just the right amount of what I am looking for with a slight loss of resolution. Pretty good but certainly can be improved. |
The phono stage is AcousTech and the amp is Redgum RGi120, both SS. |
George, thank you very much. Yes, this is my phono stage. You see, the sound is not exactly lean, it is just not full enough.
So, I understand that increasing the amp's gain is a questionable idea that may do more harm than good. It's either putting active preamp between phono and Redgum or living with it as it is. |
Yes, recordings made from records sound just fine, no complaints about the cartridge. The AcousTech has only two fixed settings for MM and MC. |
Nak's output voltage/impedance is 1v/2.2kohm. Plays real good. |
Al, the cartridge is Goldring 1042, and the cable that goes from the cartridge right into the phono input is about 1.5 meters long, The cable from phono to the amp is 1 meter long.
Never tried LOMC with it so can't speak. Why would Sutherland do, as you say, nonsense?
Turntable set-up is doing alright. |
Interesting too. The deck is Nakamichi 682ZX. How does it load? |
Found it. The Nak's input impedance is 50kohm. |
Al, this is interesting. I have no idea of the capacitance of the Nottingham arm's wiring. Assuming that you are right that this does contribute to what I am experiencing, how would you explain the fact that when running the phono thru the deck I don't have such a problem, I only got slight drop in resolution and soundstage. And it's not only the deck, it's also an additional cable, by the way. Cables from both phono and deck are Purist Audio. |
Well, from what I can get there doesn't appear to be any components and cables mismatch, I think it comes down to the fact that passive preamp is no way to go if you want full-bodied sound, and this was confirmed by many here who tried it both ways. Most though not all prefer active preamp.
I don't think I will ask the designer to increase the amp's gain, it may throw the amp off the balance with little or no benefit, it would be a gamble, I guess. The resolution and soundstage decrease when running the phono thru the deck is slight, excellent Purist cables help a lot. I'll just wait till I am ready for a major upgrade. |
I was talking about phono not deck. By the way, I didn't mention it because it doesn't bother me, but my CEC belt drive cd player also sounds better in this respect when routed thru the deck. It seems that the deck doesn't mind passive preamp, though I didn't compare its sound with an active one. |
