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Can I use a step up transformer?

Hi everyone :-) I am currently using a .3mv cartridge (Dynavector 20x2) with a phono pre amp (Manley chinook) that only has a 60db output for LOMC, I am not getting the gain I would like, I feel like I am at the boundries of over loading my tube linestage (Manley Jumbo Shrimp) with the volume at 3:00 o clock position.Would this kind of a device even help fix this issue? Where does it hook up?  Assuming it would.... And If you wanted to spend under $2000 for one, can you recommend one that should work well with my system?

Thanks

Matt M
128x128mattmiller
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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 
Dear @john_tracy :  The example per se was not the subject and only a reference to know which explanation has the gentleman that posted:

"""  Using higher output cartridges you are facing several disadvantages you need to tackle at the matching process. """

Maybe you need to read again some of the posts in this tread to understand it better.

In the other side you can't diminsh in any way those " only 3.5 db down " because we are not talking here to listen " only sound " but about top quality level sound reproduction.

"""  compensate with the volume control .. """" but this is not the main subject ( again. ) because at the performance level we are talking here we don't want higher noise/distortions but to stay at minimum.

3.5dbs means that the PLP needs to double the power and if the PLP was designed for at least 0.3mv output cartridges then its specs/overall characteristics could change in dramatic way.


Regards and enjoy the music,
R.



thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Dear Halcro,
Regarding your question of tuning the SUT by changing the capacitance I would not recommend doing it. You are creating a somehow high pass filter similar to a loudspeaker X-over.
john_tracy
341 posts
 
3.5dbs means that the PLP needs to double the power and if the PLP was designed for at least 0.3mv output cartridges then its specs/overall characteristics could change in dramatic way.

We're talking voltage gain here, not power. If a phono pre is designed to handle 0.3mV cart. it will handle a 0.2mV cart. just fine. The only "cost" is a 3.5dB loss of S/N ratio when one supplies the extra 3.5dB of gain with the following line stage using the volume control. The phono pre does not have to double its power. Now if that extra noise is enough to kill a quality listening experience for you then you are entitled to your opinion.

As far as changing "characteristics" (its not clear what you are referring to here), if this were the case then your theoretical phono pre designed for 0.3mV cart. would not be able to play quiet passages without changing its overall characteristics. Presumably it should be able to handle from 0.0mV - well over 0.3mV so why should a cart. with less output change its "characteristics"? Like I mentioned, I played a 0.4mv cart. on a MM phono pre designed for 4.0mV cart., a 20dB difference. Other than the extra noise, no other changes.

BTW, I have read the whole tread and some of the posters here remind me of medieval clerics sitting around arguing over how many angels will fit on the head of a pin.


thuchan
1,009 posts
 
Dear John_Tracy,

what you are describing is an unbelievable but a not rare seen (and heard) phaenomenon. A planned mismatching! I believe you that it sounds fantastic in a way. I did some experiments as well. 

In the end when you put a matching SUT in front of the MM stage you win quite some deep and dynamic soundstage.

 


nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 

The design philosophy of my Basis Exclusive is the opposite of

the design of Halcro's Halcro. My MM stage can be only used in

unbalanced mode while except the input capacity for 100pF and

320pF there are no other adjustment possibilities. The MC

adjustments possibilities on the  other side are ''endless''.

There are the 12 fold Dip switches for the resistance and 6 fold

switches for the ''gain adjustment''. The min (basis)  gain is 32 dB

the max 70 dB. The added gain (to 32 dB) can be adjusted with

+ 4 dB, 8, 12, 18, 24 and 32 dB. The (obvious) recommendation

is to chose the lowest possible gain in order to get the lowest

possible noise. Ergo: for the LOMC's is the question if +.-70

dB amplification produces more noise than an well chosen

SUT.

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