audio research ph7 & Cartridge


Hi,

I'm fairly new in the analog world. I own a Audio Research PH7. Today I bought a Brinkmann LaGrange with a 10.5 arm. Which cartidge will be a good or perfect match for this combo. I'm thinking about a Benz Micro lps 0.36 mv or an Ortofon Windfeld 0.30 mv. The only thing is both cartidges have low outputs and the Audio Research has only 57db of gain. Other equipment is Audio Research Ref 2 mk2, Audio Research VT200 and speakers are the latest versions Avalon Acendant.

Rojo
128x128rojo1955

Showing 3 responses by axelwahl

Hi Syntax
but the man is complaining about lacking dynamics!

[Taters]>>> .. and the system had no dynamics...<<<

There must be something to it, not so? Or is it just the cart's fault then?

Axel
Hi Rojo,
what a beautiful 'Mojo' :-)

In my experience both carts would still work with 57dB gain. Of course switching to CD would mean going down in volume, as I'm guessing the Audio Research Ref 2 mk2 does not have variable input gain settings. If it has, it's even less of an issue.

I do not know the 'Benz Micro lps', but its output = the Ortofon Jubilee. All things being equal, Benz ~ Jubilee? I'd go for the Windfeld, but there may be more knowledgeable opinion to come.

Great component!
Axel
Hi Taters,
interesting point you make. This seems to play right into my notion that higher cart output 'empowers' the phono-pre :-)

I found this to be true using MM! carts. (Raul of course knows there is more to it still).

I also can now safely presume that the Audio Research Ref 2 mk2 has no input gain adjustment?

My ML-326S goes 0dB, 6dB, 12dB, 18dB up. This type of feature would make up very easily for the missing 6 or 12dB gain.

In fact, I use the 60dB phono-modules setting with the 0dB input gain of the line-pre and run 3.5 - 5mV MM carts into it with no overload issue at all. And it DYNAMIC, as you would suggest.

So, a lot depends on equipment 'flexibility'. Your point on loosing dynamics is something I can put into my 'database'.

Good luck,
Axel