low output mc: noise free listening possible?


I'm considering buying a low output mc cartidge of 0.2 millivolt. This faint signal needs a high gain of 60 dB or even more.

Which phono-amplifiers are capable of delivering a noise free signal. Or do I have to accept a certain level of phono-noise?
bril12

Showing 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

It depends. The preamp gain, speaker and amplifier sensitivity all come into play. I have a 0.24mV cartridge playing through a 66 db gain SS phono stage, which used to be enough. Then I sold my ARC preamp and BAT amp and bought an VAC integrated amp.....now, it's not enough gain.
Same catridge, same phono stage and speakers, different results. When considering noise free listening, it's not just the cartridge and phono stage, but the entire system that comes into play.

Cheers,
John
I have a somewhat similar thread going on right now, and found this calculator that Darkmoebius posted to be quite helpful and informative.

Cheers,
John