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Help needed re:cartridge/preamp/setup?

I just bought a used Rega P2 with Denon DL160 high output (1.6mV output at 47k) MC cartridge. Unfortunately, it is still paired with the MM phono stage (2.5mV input sensitivity) in my receiver which is being used as a preamp. I'd heard you could mate this cartidge with a MM stage, but honestly, the combo sounds rather lifeless, not really an improvement over my old Pioneer/Grado MM combo. I really don't understand too much about the electronics and setup, but I'm guessing it could be:
1) really need more sensitive MC phono stage
2) cartridge is not setup/tracking properly
3) this is as good as it gets with this equipment
I've ordered the Harley book to teach me how to set this up, and thought about trying a Creek OBH-9SE, but hoped for some insight before simply playing the trial-and-error upgrade game. Any thoughts or opinions? Thanks!
inscrutable

Showing 2 responses by psychicanimal

psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Receiver? Which one? Unless it's a high end receiver, chances are the phono stage is not going to be adequate for a MC setup. The Creek SEs are good units FOR THE MONEY. I would not dare to call 1.6 mV high output exactly. That's less than a third of an average MM output. It seems to me kind of borderline...try contacting Creek at www.creek.co.uk to find out what they think.

Cartridge setup could be at issue, also.

Have you cleaned all the contacts in the path with something like Pro Gold? We are talking very low voltages here. Please note that the Rega tonearm's weakness is its wiring...

Go for it.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Most preamps sound bad. It's a sad fact of life.
A really good preamp will be expensive, unless you buy from the 'renegades'(Van Alstine, Steve Decker).

Are you good with kits? There's free plans for a superb MM phono preamp in www.tnt-audio.com

If you opt for an outboard phono preamp now, you will be able to step up to a decent integrated amp. I am seriously considering this option, given that I own a really good high end low output MC preamp and that I bought a classic Pioneer tuner (almost mint) from the late 70s at a pawn shop for $20...

Low output MC cartridges demand quality electronics. If I were to replace the one I have (which was a present) It would cost me around $1000 dollars. You can get decent performance with a Dynavector 10 for $295 and get it over with. It's in the stars...Call me now for your free reading!
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