funny the same questions recur, I have a thread running now on the same subject, with the same mixed response. Some say having the dial at 12 does'nt matter and adding a step up will degrade the sound, others that the phono stage gain is inadequate and a step up will improve "life" and dynamics. it's a pity most questions are'nt staightforward, then if they were we would'nt need to ask them I suppose
New cart, step-up or ???
Just got a Hagerman Trumpet to go with a Joule LA-100MKIII I recently acquired. Analog front end is Benz Glider L2 (0.25mv)/OL Silver/SOTA Star Saphirre. The Trumpet has 44 dB gain, the Joule 11 dB. I have run it as is, and the volume is fine at about 11:30-12:30 rotation on the Joule. Hagerman recommends his 20 dB step-up instead of his additional gain stage; or I could stand pat, or I could go to a new, mid output MC. Recommendations?? If a new cart is in the offing, what is a good match. Price of the step up is $850, addntl gain stage $500 plus 2 way shipping, cart would be less salvage value of near new Benz ($300 +/-?) What say you, analog gurus? TIA