Theophile, that’s why I mentioned that results with TI phono stages seem to depend not only on the cartridge characteristics but also on the actual input impedance of the stage. From my research (the data are hard to come by, because most manufacturers will say input impedance is "zero"), it seems to vary among different units from less than one ohm to as high as 10-12 ohms. That might be why different combinations of cartridge and TI phono can sound qualitatively different. Or to put it another way, you might not get the sound you expect when you mate a familiar LOMC with a new TI stage. And I’m guessing that (impedance matching) is the reason.
Denon 103r and the SpinStage transimpedance phono preamp
I have a stable of cartridges all mounted up and ready to go for when I feel like changing up the sound a little. Most of them are more modest than my regular cartridge. My "daily-driver" is a Ortofon Synergy G SPU cartridge, which I run through a Zesto Andros ll phono preamp. I like the combo a lot. But tonight I mounted up the Denon 103r, and hooked it up to a $250 SpinStage phono preamp.
I was really surprised to find how thoroughly engaging the sound was. It was descriptive and rich at the same time. I would have no problem with this combo being in daily use. I wondered if it was the Denon's good match for the transimpedance-style phono preamp that was making me so happy.
I am well aware that the amount of money spent, in almost all endeavors, does not guaranty satisfaction. But this combination kind of reset my thinking about the art of phonography. Does anyone else have inexpensive cartridge/phono preamp combos that light them up?
David
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- 12 posts total
- 12 posts total