The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

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The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all original Dynaco tube audio equipment - Customer support for Tubes4hifi VTA tube amp and preamp kits and all Dynakitparts.com products


3 posters

    Using an MC Cartridge

    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube


    Posts : 707
    Join date : 2008-12-06
    Age : 60
    Location : Calgary, AB
    • Post n°1

    Using an MC Cartridge Empty Using an MC Cartridge

    Post by Tube Nube Thu Apr 02, 2009 1:21 pm

    Greetings, once again, to this learned and helpful community.

    I have another question for anyone with an opinion.

    I' thinking to up grade my phono cartridge to a low output moving coil, but to do this, one needs to step up the signal so the moving magnet input on the pre amp can deal with it.

    I'm reading a bit about Step Up transformers, which can be difficult to mate to the rest of the equipment and, I understand, can act as a filter, cutting the frequency response down. (I think I have that right)

    The other major option is a so-called "head amplifier", to actively amplify the signal.

    I'd sure appreciate recommendations, and I'd prefer to go with a DIY kit, if there are any.

    Thanks,

    Brenton
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    Bob Latino
    Bob Latino
    Bob Latino
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    Posts : 3262
    Join date : 2008-11-26
    Location : Massachusetts
    • Post n°2

    Using an MC Cartridge Empty Re: Using an MC Cartridge

    Post by Bob Latino Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:29 pm

    Tube Nube wrote:Greetings, once again, to this learned and helpful community.

    I have another question for anyone with an opinion.

    I' thinking to up grade my phono cartridge to a low output moving coil, but to do this, one needs to step up the signal so the moving magnet input on the pre amp can deal with it.

    I'm reading a bit about Step Up transformers, which can be difficult to mate to the rest of the equipment and, I understand, can act as a filter, cutting the frequency response down. (I think I have that right)

    The other major option is a so-called "head amplifier", to actively amplify the signal.

    I'd sure appreciate recommendations, and I'd prefer to go with a DIY kit, if there are any.

    Thanks,

    Brenton

    Brenton,

    Do you have any phono stage on your preamp now or is it just a line stage ?

    Bob
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    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube


    Posts : 707
    Join date : 2008-12-06
    Age : 60
    Location : Calgary, AB
    • Post n°3

    Using an MC Cartridge Empty Re: Using an MC Cartridge

    Post by Tube Nube Thu Apr 02, 2009 4:39 pm

    Hi Bob,

    I have the Transcendent Phono Stage running into the Transcendent Pre amp.
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    Bob Latino
    Bob Latino
    Bob Latino
    Admin


    Posts : 3262
    Join date : 2008-11-26
    Location : Massachusetts
    • Post n°4

    Using an MC Cartridge Empty Re: Using an MC Cartridge

    Post by Bob Latino Thu Apr 02, 2009 5:29 pm

    Brenton.

    The Transcendent phono stage can be used with moving coil cartridges but may not have enough gain for very low output moving coil cartridges. IMHO you should probably stick with a medium or high output MC cartridge. Some phono cartridges can get pretty expensive and some step-up transformers can be expensive also.

    If you do want to try a low output MC cartridge I know that Jensen makes some reasonably priced step-up transformers for low output moving coil cartridges. Check the link below.

    http://www.jensen-transformers.com/mc.html

    Bob
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    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube
    Tube Nube


    Posts : 707
    Join date : 2008-12-06
    Age : 60
    Location : Calgary, AB
    • Post n°5

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    Post by Tube Nube Thu Apr 02, 2009 7:57 pm

    Hi Bob,

    Thanks for this perspective, and for the Jensen Link!
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    JunkyJan
    JunkyJan
    JunkyJan


    Posts : 108
    Join date : 2008-12-09
    Location : BC, Canada
    • Post n°6

    Using an MC Cartridge Empty Something else you might want to try...

    Post by JunkyJan Fri May 01, 2009 5:30 pm

    Hi Tube Nube

    (I have been away for a while - job related - again!)

    There is a a high-output MC cartridge that I can whole-heartidly and without any qualms recommend (and therefore solve the step-up transformer problem):

    The Denon DL-160 (and it is relatively CHEAP!)

    It is a mind-blowing cartridge, seems to have quite the fan group - and puts some other expensive higher-end MC cartridges to shame. I bought one from the Needle Doctor (IIRC) as a "cheapie" thinking that it will serve me until I can get around to buying a high-end MC (I'm kinda broke at the moment - kids at college etc), but frankly I am totally happy with it.

    Excellent dynamics, stereo imaging, 3D imaging, works for Classical, Jazz, Rock...

    -- JunkyJan
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    • Post n°7

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