WTD: MC Phono stage pre-amp.

[LateJunction]

Hi All,
I am wanting to replace my Cambridge Audio 640P phono pre-amp with something that is a better match to the rest of my system. In particular I have a very low output Dynavector DV-20X2 L which has a maximum output of only about 300 microvolts. The 640P doesn't have enough gain to properly drive my Audiolab 8000Q/8000P combination. Others also observe that, while it is a good entry level phono stage, I need something better than the 640P.

Any offers?

[Sherwood]

Hi All,
I am wanting to replace my Cambridge Audio 640P phono pre-amp with something that is a better match to the rest of my system. In particular I have a very low output Dynavector DV-20X2 L which has a maximum output of only about 300 microvolts. The 640P doesn't have enough gain to properly drive my Audiolab 8000Q/8000P combination. Others also observe that, while it is a good entry level phono stage, I need something better than the 640P.

Any offers?

How about a good step up transformer? https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?59457-FS-Audio-Technica-AT630-Step-up-Transformer-for-Moving-Coil-Cartridges&highlight=at630

Geoff

[hifi_dave]

My recommendation would be a Rothwell Rialto or Rega Fono MC. Both very reasonably priced and both excellent.

[speedboy]

How about an Arkless Turbo phono stage including special Arkless power supply? Cost me £300 on here including post. Will sell for the same (£300 including post).

[LateJunction]

How about an Arkless Turbo phono stage including special Arkless power supply? Cost me £300 on here including post. Will sell for the same (£300 including post).

Is this 'Turbo' just the re-engineered CA 640P that Arkless Electronics have been offering for some years? I wasn't aware that it has 'special' power supply because the articles about it that I have read state it uses the standard 'wall-wart' supplied with the 640P. The next question in my mind is 'what are the specs?' i.e. how do I know it will deliver the extra gain (up to about 67 dB as suggested by an earlier post) that I require? And how do I know it will sound 'better'. How is that measured?

[LateJunction]

If I looked-up the correct specs the 640P has 55dB gain on the MC setting. Yes, that's a bit low for a 0.3mV cartridge. About 64dB, plus or minus 2 or 3dB, would be more like it.
Alternatively a step-up transformer with a 1:20 turns ratio or a suitable headamp would be a viable option.

OK, either of these solutions might address the signal level problem, but neither of them will address the 'quality' or 'mis-match' issues that others have mentioned.

[speedboy]

I haven't seen it before or since but this example has an upgraded power supply with 12 volt 50VA 'Rcore' transformer in steel case. For technical info pehaps ask Jez Arkless himself as he posts on here. The unit uses loading plugs to supply the exact gain required. If the standard ones are no good, Jez will be able to make up some that are exactly right for you. I'm sorry I don't know what the specs are but I can certainly vouch for the fact that it sounds better than a standard 640P.

[Stryder5]

I though Jez was a bad boy on this forum. Could be wrong though.

[walpurgis]

I though Jez was a bad boy on this forum. Could be wrong though.

He's not on this forum. But folks are free to contact him of course.

[disarmamant]

OK, either of these solutions might address the signal level problem, but neither of them will address the 'quality' or 'mis-match' issues that others have mentioned.

What quality and mismatch issues are you referring to? As suggested a 1:20 step up transformer into a 47K ohm MM stage would provide the cartridge with a reflected load of around 117ohms.

Your Dynavector DV-20X2 L has an internal impedance of 5 ohms and a recommended load of greater than 30 ohms, so the 1:20 step up transformer would be almost perfect.

[speedboy]

I can’t keep up with the politics but I’m sure you could get hold one way or the other.


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[speedboy]

Thanks for clarifying! I wouldn’t want to send him up for the garden path...


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[AD Audio]

Why not try one of these? Demo unit available against deposit! https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?52387-AD-Audio-Jfet-MC-amplifier
David

[Bigman80]

One of what?
Why not try one of these? Demo unit available against deposit!
David

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[AD Audio]

Whoops......URL hadn't pasted now added to original post

[losepete]

Hi

I have a low output, 400mv, Kiseki Blue Gold Spot cartridge and use this phono stage https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/phono-box-ds-3/ which is fairly configurable - and no fiddling with almost inaccessible dip switches :-)

[Mand]

I have a Benedict Audio Hothead C for sale.
It's small, very quite and sounds good. 62dB gain, 100 ohm. Nothing to adjust.
£275 or close offer. See pfm for my ad with link for a review.

[nickbaba]

+1 on the AD Audio Jfet MC Amp.
I've had one on home demo the last couple of weeks and it's extremely impressive, especially given its very reasonable price. I heard it next to an SUT with Hashimoto HM3s worth the best part of 1K and there wasn't much daylight between them at all. Plus David is a great guy to deal with and really knows his stuff. Highly recommended.

[Mand]

Is the AD Audio thing to be used with a mm phonostage (like a sut) or an actual mc phonostage?

[Natara]

I use a Trichord Dino to great effect with a 20x2L a used Mk2 on eBay is between £250-300 and you can also add an upgraded PSU later.

[Domg]

I have a MkII Trichord Dino and Dino+ PSU I’m no longer using. You can have them both for £300. I’ll take photos if you’re interested. There is a grommet missing from one of the feet but I expect you could find a replacement in a hardware store.

[KONDO]

Might be selling my linn Linto.waiting to see how world audio pans out.charlie.