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Matching Cartridge to Hovland Phono

Question: I have the Hovland HP-100 with the MC 63db step-up transformer. Looking at their specs (below) is a Dynavector 20xl a good 'match' to this phono? I have some difficulty understanding what to look for in getting an ideal match.

Specs for the DV 20xl:

SPECIFICATIONS
Type High/Low output moving coil cartridge with flux damper and softened magnetism
Output Voltage 2.8mV / 0.3mV (at 1KHz, 5cm/sec.)
Channel Separation 25 dB (at 1KHz)
Channel balance 1.0 dB (at 1KHz)
Frequency response 20 - 20,000Hz (± 2dB)
Compliance 12 x 10-6 cm/dyn
Tracking force 1.8 - 2.2grams
DC resistance 150 ohms / 5 ohms
Recommended load
resistance > 1Kohms / > 30 ohms
Cantilever 6mm length, hard aluminium pipe
Stylus Micro-Ridge
Weight 8.6 grams


Hovland HP-100:
Phono Stage (46 dB gain)
Minimum input voltage: approx. 0.7 millivolt @ 1000 Hz
Input impedance: 1 meg ohm
Frequency response: ±0.15 dB, 25 Hz - 25 kHz
S/N ratio: 60 dB below 2 mv input wideband
75 dB below 2 mv input w/ 400 Hz high-pass filter

MC Phono Stage with MC-7 Transformer (63 dB gain)
Maximum input voltage: approx. 1.0 millivolt @ 1000 Hz
Input impedance: approx. 530 Ω (provision for reduced loading)
stickman451
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Wait a minute; I am using the 20XL, low output...so that is .3mv output right?
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
Based on the specs you are showing, the match for cart. loading should be OK. I own the Hovland and I use a Benz Ruby 2 LO. The Hovland is designed to work well with just about any cart. out there providing low noise and excellent dynamics with a step-up transformer. If you want to be absolutely certain, call Hovland and talk to Alex Crespi who will tell you exactly what you want to know. If you want to load your cart. at a lower impedence, Hovland will change your fixed 530 ohms to around 200. Many cartridges load better at a lower impedence, but be aware that cart. loading is tricky with a step-up in the mix. Alex I believe will echo this if you talk to him. Don't be influenced by friends or threads here where people talk about various cart. loadings. They might be using preamps with active phono stages which react differently to cart. loads. BTW, depending on the age of your Hovland, there might be mods available from Hovland at a reasonable price. Mine is almost 5 years old and I had mods done by them last Dec. and they made the already outstandingly quiet phono section even quieter. Well worth the expense.
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Thanks Elinor,

I do plan to call Alex; have talked him with several times over the last few years. I sent my Hovland back last year and got the latest upgrades; was well worth it, definitely lowered the noise floor. I am curious what tubes you are using in the phono? Last year I ordered some Mullard NOS from Upscale Audio. I haven't been that happy with them. They seem a little noiser than the stock Hovland tubes and lacking a little of the liveliness I had before... I may just order a stock set from Alex...
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Let's get the story straight! ;-)

If you're using the .3mv version of the Dyna then, yes, you should be using the MC inputs. The gain structure is fine, which is why you're having no issues in that regard.

The only question is impedance. This is extremely sensitive when using a stepup transformer and no one can give you more than general guidance. Each system is unique and the adjustment when using an SUT is so touchy that trial and error is the only method for optimizing.

Good luck!
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Thanks...I will raise the issue of impedance with Alex at Hovland...

thanks again
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