2. analog
  3. 1112759668

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
128x128swampwalker

Showing 2 responses by pauly

pauly
1,012 posts
 
I second Clio09 suggestion of a Lundahl step up. They sound way better than what their modest price suggests.
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Dear Lugnut. After having previously endured some dialogue with Raul I took the liberty of looking at his system. I noticed his speakers are almost flush against the rear wall; a wall with two large untreated windows. My ears ache just thinking what that must sound like.

So I can imagine a neutral cart like the ZYX would sound cold, thin and horrible in that environment.

I think we should all do the decent thing and get him an iPod. (or a karaoke machine)

Regards
Paul
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