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Not getting enough volume with my new MM cartridge

I am just getting started with vinyl and bought a new REGA P5 & Exact cartridge. I have to turn my pre-amp more than 3/4 of the way up to get reasonable listening levels! I am using both a REGA MM phono pre-amp and a NAD PP2 phono stage and have the same results. I was using an Thorens 125 MKII with a Benz Micro Silver cartridge that gave me plenty of volume with the NAD PP2. Any ideas why I have to turn my pre-amp up so high given the output of this MM cartridge? Thanks for your help!

Pre-Amp: Ayre Acoustics K-1XE
Amplifier: Mark Levinson 331
Speakers: Wilson Audio Sophia
TT: REGA P5
Cartridge: REGA EXACT 2
Phono stages: REGA MM Phono & NAD PP2
rick_hilton

Showing 3 responses by mingles

mingles
791 posts
 
This doesn't make sense. The Exact has an output of 6.8-7.2mV which is one of the highest I've heard of. As others have suggested, double check the wiring. Follow Rega's guide:

http://www.rega.co.uk/downloads/Exact.pdf

Have you done any troubleshooting? Have you tried plugging your phono stage into another input on your Ayre? Have you tried different interconnects? I know these steps may sound ridiculous, but it's a process of elimination. If you're absolutely certain the wiring is correct and your equipment is fine, there's something wrong with the cartridge. If that's the case, contact the vendor and ask for help. Good luck!
mingles
791 posts
 
Rick, if the cartridge is indeed defective, you'll have to work with the vendor you bought it from. Depending on their warranty and return policy, you might not be able to switch to a different cartridge. The Exact is supposed to be very good, but I don't have any experience with it. If you want to try something different, make sure it's compliance is a good match with your tonearm. I think the P5 has an RB600 which is medium mass.

Fap, his previous vinyl set up didn't have this problem, which suggests it's something with this particular cartridge.
mingles
791 posts
 
For what it's worth, the P5 tonearm is an RB700.
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