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To "Step up", or not?

I have a general question(s) about the use of step up transformers; Am I better off buying a cartridge that may be higher output and that matches my current phono stage, or buying a lower output cartridge and introducing a step up transformer into the system? Are lower output cartridges generally speaking, better than higher output? For example, I have read in this forum, and others, about the Denon DL103R, and Shelter 501. I would purchase one of these in the future. However, my phono stage only has a gain of 53db, which is not enough for these cartridges. To include one of these fine cartridges in my system, I would need a step up transformer. I am wondering if I would get better sound with a medium output cartridge and not have the step up.
1musiclover
rmueller01
7 posts
 
I am dealing with the same issue. I Just got a Michell Gyro SE which I am outfitting with an Origen Live Silver rb250 arm and the Shelter 501 cartridge. (.4MV output)
My preamp is a Conrad Johnson PV10 tube unit. It has 48.5 dB gain in the Phono (which is MM or high output MC compatible) but 35dB linestage which is pretty high. I'm going to try the cartridge initially without anything and then I have arranged to try on loan a few alternatives:
1) E.A.R. 834P Phono stage (cost around 1000 new but this one is used $670)
2) New Ortofon step-up transformer (not sure of the model but it is $450 new)
3) S&B Transformer ($300)

I will let you know what my listening test shows but in the final analysis I am thinking I will sell the PV10 and upgrade to the PV14 and then get a separate phonostage like the Acoustech or Conrad Johnson EV1. (all a BIG leap in cost and sound)
twl
3,251 posts
 
Rmueller01, I predict that with the gain you have in the phono stage and line stage, that the output will be sufficient for the Shelter 501.

Load the cartridge at 100 ohms.
1musiclover OP
58 posts
 
Twl and Rmueller01:

Thanks for the input.

Rmueller01 -- I am interested to hear what results you obtain from your existing system. Please let me know either by posting here or offline.

Tom -- If my phono preamp has 53dB gain max, and my preamp has 16dB max, can I get satisfactory results from a medium output cartridge? Or, am I stuck with high output?

If I decide to replace my existing preamp, what are some good tube preamps with high gain phono stages?

Thanks for you advise.

Mike
twl
3,251 posts
 
Mike, it's hard to say with certainty what output level from the cartridge will be enough. There are other factors, such as the amp input sensitivity level, that could play into this equation.

The problem with trying a cartidge that is on the low end of possiblity for your phono stage, is that if it is not quite enough, you're out of luck. If the cartridge is a little too high, you can always pick a lower setting of gain on the phono stage, or just don't turn up the volume as much.

I think if you want to use the Shelter, you'll need an additional 15db of gain, over what you presently have.
jaica
81 posts
 
With the denon you need more gain. The shelter is borderline, depending on the gain on your preamp. I would go with the Shelter, a better cartridge with higher gain.

You might not need to change your phono preamp. At a latter date you can upgrade for a little more gain, and better sound.

My $0.02

Good luck
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