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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

Showing 2 responses by mrmojo

mrmojo
26 posts
 

The Hana SL has been on my table for the past two years, running into a Parasound JC3 Jr. (which allows me to adjust MC load using a variable pot that runs from 50-550 ohms). I can say that the differences in load between 100-400 are subtle, but there is a more pronounced treble "edge" and a more brittle sound on certain vinyl when running below 300 ohms. This is likely due to a drop out of the upper mids below that 300 ohm load. As for gain, I can choose 50db or 60db of gain, and either 55 or 65db on your amp would work fine with the Hana. 

YMMV, of course, and the Luxman phono circuit may handle the SL just fine. One other option if you are really hesitant is to return the Hana SL for the SH. It's specs are a much better match for your integrated. 

mrmojo
26 posts
 

@atmasphere 

Thanks for the detailed view of the interaction between cart and phono pre, very illuminating. I appreciate you sharing the knowledge. 

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?

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