@audphile1
Yes, IMO 2.0mv (not 2 v) is too low for OP’s wife’s system. In my 1st post here, I wrote:
"AT745xML is only $329". ... "The signal strength is lower: 3.7mv. That is average, normal for MM, however IF you want more volume, from a weaker amount of gain, 5.0mv is the better choice." (Ortofon 2m Black LVB 250)
Less gain can be the amount of gain within the phono stage, (i.e. resulting in a lower/higher line level signal strength that leaves the preamp section) AND eventually, the amount of power/watts sent to the speakers. IF I had 30 wpc I would PREFER a stronger signal from the cartridge. Always keeping in mind, some amps make less noise and/or distortion when the attenuator is not near or at full volume.
We listen mostly at less than 5 watts/channel (watch a big McIntosh Meter) (so 30 wpc is a lot) but instantaneous peaks need a lot of instantaneous power. You have to change the McIntosh meter’s scale to get the needle to move at typical listening levels.
The Luxman 595’s published specifications, gain, s/n, ...: phono gain specs: are based on a signal no lower than 2.5mv.
3.7 mv is plenty for an input with 2.5mv sensitivity. 2.0mv is not, and I personally don’t consider it HO (yes, it is HO compared to 0.4mv of Hana ML). 2.0mv is below OP’s amp’s published input sensitivity of 2.5 mv. too low for that unit’s performance specifications, but I was thinking too low compared to other cartridges with stronger signal strength, which is why I mentioned the difference.
IF they are playing with the volume knob low now, I would risk 3.7mv but I would not risk 2.0mv
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A cartridge output signal strength directly effects resulting volume (i.e. your volume knob will need to be adjusted more or less for each cartridge).
my experience is: when I change/compare cartridges, mine and my friends: without changing my system’s volume, the volume changes for each cartridge. The change in volume is due directly to the cartridge’s signal strength.
When I change the impedance settings for LOMC cartridges, (my SUT has 4 optional windings) (various X Factors) the volume changes with each winding as the resulting signal output increases or decreases.
I typically select something like the Eurythmics, which everyone has heard on my system. It has a variety of sounds (like them or not, they are revealing) and you have to get Annie Lennox’s voice ’right’. Then off to a friend’s selected and very familiar content.
I drop two arms/cartridges, one slightly behind the other, so when I switch my SUT’s input, it will play what we just heard seconds ago. I move my selector from phono to a silent input, no sound when I change to a different cartridge, then back to phono.
1st, we make temporary pencil marks around the big volume knob of my Cayin Integrated Amp, to get the resulting volumes close so our comparisons are not effected by volume changes. When I change the input to one of my 3 arms, I also move the volume to the pencil mark. Takes only several seconds.
