2. analog
  3. 135066-90127

Ugraditus is calling....again. Phono stage?

There is likely nothing wrong at all with present phono stage but you know how it is.

Present analog front end consists of.

Nottingham Analog Spacedeck with Spacearm.
Shelter 501 mk3 cartridge with maybe 250 hours on it, regularly treated with Lyra.
Dynavector P75 mk3 phono stage.
Feeds into Lyngdorf 2170 via Nordost Red Dawn RCA cables.

My thoughts were that possibly the Dynavector is the weakest link and would pay most dividend on an upgrade but.....

What do I perceive I am lacking right now?
Really hard to say as this is highest quality analog front end ever owned.
Possibly lacking a little in sheer scale and dynamics? Bass is very very good, instruments are well separated and defined.
Just as an overall presentation I feel it lacks that final wow factor as a whole.
Not sure if that makes any sense?
Please comment honestly especially if you feel it is another area that may reap larger benefits. Or if should just leave well alone....lol.

Oh btw I am fairly sure it is setup correctly in regards to vta etc, at least to the best of my abilities right now. And yes setting it up correctly from initial purchase did make considerable gains in sq.
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
While trying to decide which way to go on the phono stage I decided to experiment with my present Dynavector P75.
Thought I would give its PE setting a trial, (phono enhancer).
As my cartridge is not really low mc at 0.4mv and a 14ohm resistance which puts it right in the middle of the PE settings I thought it was worth a try.

Well almost as good as a new phono stage as it has definitely ratcheted up the dynamics, certainly on piano and female vocals.

Good enough to tide me over until I decide which way to go.
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
I love when a simple tweak can make a difference!

Good work.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
It had been on my "to do" list for a while but as it meant removing it from system, opening it up and moving jumpers around I just never got around to it.
Until yesterday....
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Explains a fair bit.
Just had email reply direct from GoldNote.
The actual impedance is just 50ohm, not 500ohm.
They said the manual has error...lol.
So the ph10 should work very well with my 2170 via either/ or xlr or single ended.
robelvick's avatar
robelvick
619 posts
 
@uberwaltz

Thank you for the update.  I did not even think/know to match impedance when I bought the GoldNote, but I'm glad to know now that technically it's a good match.


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