2. amps-preamps
  3. 178575-175711

Phono Stage Amp

I have a mid-level to low end turntable. (Music Hall 11.1) and a low end decent Phono Stage Music Fidelity M1. Good tonearm and good cartridge. 

I listen to JAZZ so volume isn't too much of an issue, but sometimes I just want it loud. I have Cary Audio slp-05 tube pre and the Cary Audio mono block main tube amps as drivers

I crank the volume up just past half way and there tends to be distortion. Below half way the sound is incredible. The records sound better than the corresponding CD or, of course, DAC streaming.

Would upgrading my phono-stage to one with greater boost help me? Or is that half (my whole phono system) of my system as good as it could get?  

128x128cinqcepages
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,203 posts
 

@cinqcepages

What model are your Cary mono blocks? How old are the output tubes?
Chances are you’re on the low end of what those speakers really need.

All the best.

cey's avatar
cey
204 posts
 

agree 15W or 10W or whatever is way too little for 87dB speakers, but the distrtion problem goes away when he changes source.

jsal3689
76 posts
 

I have the SLP 05 with two Primaluna Dialogue 7 monoblocks. I use speakers with powered bass, GoldenEar Triton Reference. No power problem. You could get more amps and biwire your speakers.

rodman99999
6,030 posts
 

     From the OP:

 

"... with volume halfway up on the SLP-05 using an Audia Flight CD* player the volume is very high and no distortion."

 

     From the previously cited M1** review:

 

"I just want to add that, while the gain for the MM stage is 40 dB, the classic one, for the MC is below 60 dB. This will require a deep attention to the level of the cartridge output and, chiefly, to the input sensitivity of the other components of the audio chain, which has to be progressive, otherwise the risk is that the system will not perform correctly, also with very expensive components. This is a universal rule. Keep it always in mind when you assemble your hi-fi system."

                                   *2V max output           **300mV max output

rodman99999
6,030 posts
 

@cinqcepages -

     Probably: the least expensive experiment, in order to narrow down your issue, would be to purchase/mount the cheapest MM cart available and see if it results in a satisfying SPL.

                ie:

https://www.turntablelab.com/collections/best-turntable-cartridges-by-price-ttl-levels

      Alternately: an SUT (easier to install/more expensive, probably), but: may increase noise/hum.

      Personally: I'd be looking for a phono stage, capable of outputting between 1 and 2V, with greater gain than 60dB in the MC stage. 

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