How much gain?


I am strongly considering buying either a Denon DL304 or a DLS1. Both of these cartridges have very low outputs (.18mV, .15mV respectively). I am currently running an Audio Technica AT-OC9 ML II through a Musical Fidelity A3cr preamp. The A3cr has a very good phono section (read the reviews below) and is dead quite with the Audio Technica. The specifications of the mc phono are as follows:
sensitivity (for 1V RMS output) 350uV
S/N ratio (ref 1V RMS output) >65dB 'A' weighted
My question is does the mc phono section in my Musical Fidelity A3cr have enough gain to successfully run the Denons?

http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/preamps/musical-fidelity-a3cr.html
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/musical_fidelity_ac3cr_preamp.htm
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Showing 1 response by mofimadness

I don't think so. Your AT-OC9MKII is just at that 350uV rating for a 1V output. It is listed at .4mv. The other two carts you are looking at are very low output coils. I really think you will need a SUT, if you want to use the phono stage in your Musical Fidelity. I guess it would depend on how loud you listen and how much noise you can handle?