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Cartridge advice Classic I from BRAZIL

Hello guys!

I`m from Brazil but currently am in the USA, doing part of my Ph.D. at University of Florida. Luckily I have just bought a used VPI Classic Ion ebay, which I`m taking to Brazil when I finish my study here. It has already arrived in my house and it`s overall condition is better than I expected. I`m very happy and anxious to set it up on my system.

My doubt is what cartridge to buy now. My budget is not much (U$ 3-500), since I`ve spent a lot with the TT. I`m also considering buying a used cartridge, if a good deal show up. I listen mostly to Classic Rock, Jazz, Classical, Acoustics.

The rest of my system is:

Pre: Conrad Johnson Premier 3
Power: CJ MV55
Speakers: Sound Dynamics 300 Ti

About my pre, I also have a question: On CJ web site (http://www.conradjohnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/a-pr3.html) it says that the gain of the phono stage is 40 dB and the gain of the line stage is 28 dB. So the total gain when I use the phono input of this pre is 68 dB? It`s kind of high for an all tube pre, isn`t it? What`s the minimum cartridge output I can use, with that in mind?

I aprecciate any response that will help me.
pedrod45
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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 
Dear Pedrod45: According with CJ own information/specs the gain is 68 db:

http://www.conradjohnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/a-pr3.html

it's a little weird that very high line stage gain: 28 db, normally a line stage is around 10db-15db on gain.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 
Dear macster: CJ gives this answer to Pedro:

+++++ The total gain for phono input is the sum of the phono stage gain plus the line-stage gain. " +++++++

and in the link I posted CJ writed two different gains for phono stage and line stage.

For what you posted ios not very clear the subject. Maybe a CK owner could put some more precise light down here or give the CJ own specs ( in the link. ) by email and wait for CJ precise answer.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
macster
64 posts
 
My dear friend Raul

I own several CJ preamps and amps. :-)

He will not be getting 68 db of gain from that phono/line stage.

M~
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rauliruegas
12,851 posts
 
Good. Now I see why that 28 db figure was weird for me.

Thank's.

R.
pedrod45 OP
13 posts
 
Thank you Raul and Macster!

So, since the gain is 40 dB, what is the minimun cartridge output I must use?

What do you guys think of this cartridge here:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/cartridges-clearaudio-aurum-beta-s-high-output-mm-cartridge-2013-09-26-analog-95076

Pedro
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