Matching the cartridge to the phono stage


Hey Everyone, I am new to this so please be gentle :) 

I am in the process of buying an amp that has the phono stage in it with the following specs with 3 options for the cartridge type MM/MC-Low/MC-High:

Moving Magnet: 2.5mV / 47kΩ

Moving Coil:

MC-High-Output: 0.3mV / 100Ω

MC-Low--Output: 0.1mV / 40Ω

LINE 180 mV / 47 kΩ

 

Now I am thinking of buying the Hana SL cartridge with the following specs:

Hana SL specifications:

  • Output Level @ 1kHz: 0.5mV

  • Output Balance @ 1kHz: Less Than 1.5dB

  • Impedance @ 1 kHz: 30 Ohms

  • Suggested Load: 400 Ohms

  • Cartridge Weight: 5 Grams

 

The preamp MC-Low says:  MC-Low--Output: 0.1mV / 40Ω

The Hana SL cartridge: Output Level @ 1kHz: 0.5mV, Impedance @ 1 kHz: 30 Ohms and Suggested Load: 400 Ohms. 

 

How do these values match ? As far as I can see I don't have the same voltage 0.5mv on the cartridge and 0.3mv on the phono preamp. I also see that 40ohm vs 30ohm. The 400ohms figure is only mentioned on the cartridge. 

Can this cartridge be used successfully with this phono stage ?

Do I need to match these numbers ? Can someone help explain this whole thing to me. 

Thanks!

ajones82

As for your last point about how the preamp design deals with the RFI, isn't some level of variability in load resistance needed? The market for MC carts presents a lot of options, all of which have very different specs. Or am I not understanding your point?

The short answer is 'no'. People use the loading as a tone control with many preamps, on account of without it the preamp sounds bright. This is usually due to distortion as I mentioned prior. Get rid of the RFI and the distortion goes away.

So if your phono section is properly designed, you'll find the loading makes little difference. That remaining difference will be because the cantilever is less supple tracing the groove when the cartridge is loaded. The specs the cartridge manufacturer posts about compliance are usually when the cartridge is driving a 47KOhm load, not 100 Ohms or the like.

Put another way, if the phono section is properly designed its plug and play.

You mentioned Benz and Soundsmith.  Many Benz LOMC cartridges have high-ish internal resistance, like the Hana SL (33 ohms).  So those are just as difficult to match with your phono stage as is the SL.

Specifically, these Benz models are: Gullwing, Ruby, and LPS. They share a ruby plate armature which significantly lowers output level relative to any given coil arrangement. They're a tough match to a SUT and OP's phono stage. Typical for these is 0.35V @ 40 ohms or 0.7mV @ 80 ohms.

The lower Benz lines use an iron cross armature that is much more efficient. These work great with the right SUT, and should also be workable with OP's phono. The models include: Ace, Gilder, Wood, Zebrawood, Reference, Ebony. Typical for these models is 0.4mV @ 12 ohms or 0.26mV @ 5 ohms. 

I appreciate all the excellent answers but the guy is new to this. A suggestion for an easy solution would be the right way one might think. How about a MM cartridge and his phono stage is all good. Ortofon MC carts are a good answer as well. Not sure about the Rega though. Some cartridges need spacers. What beginner wants to deal with that?

I wouldn't deal with spacers even after 45 years in the hobby, or rather ESPECIALLY after 45 years, because it is a "problem" so easily avoided.

I keep it simple...I use both a Denon 103 and a Hana el. These cartridges are pretty close as far as what loading they require or is recommended (400 ohms). I use a USA made Jensen SUT into my tubed Tavish phono's MM section. Sounds Dann good to me. If you look on Jensen's website, they designed their SUT in and around the usage of the Denon 103. They have done the thinking for me...less stress and good sound.