MC Gain Question

Posted by: Justin on 15 May 2002

I'm running (happily) a Linn Asaka into K boards, and quite frankly it doesn't have enough gain for me. Absolute position of the volume dial isn't so much an issue (confortable listening level is about 10:30 to 11:00), but if I accidently switch to CD without lowering the volume, I'll blow my whole system up (CD player is "painfull at anything about 9:30).

So, I'm considering a step-up transformer. My question is, are these suitable for use with an MC phono section, or are they only suitable with MM phono sections.

Thanks
Judd

Posted on: 15 May 2002 by Craig B

Hi Judd,

MC transformers are generally intended for use into MM phono stages. I doubt that there are many that would come close to the performance of K boards with a Linn MC.

I can think of two options: 1) substitue a higher gain external MC pre pre-amp into line level boards for the K boards or 2) try attenuated interconnects between your CDP and pre.

In my case (MM Nait 2) I decided that the only recourse was to train myself to always lower the volume when I approach the amp as attenuated interconnects reportedly kill the music along with the gain.

Craig

Posted on: 15 May 2002 by Justin

I love the K boards, and would not dream of using a phono section (even external) other than a Naim one. Then, I would imagine, that gain would be the same, and so my problem would persist.

I was under the impression that a good quality stepup tranny would work into the K boards, thereby retaining the qualities of the K boards that I like.

But, I'm just not sure if you can run a step-up transformer into a 570 ohm device (like the K-boards). Normally, i see step-up transformers optimized for 47kohms.

I can't train myself to adjust the volume because my wife and son use the system on a regular basis. And they will NEVER remember to turn down the volume.

You know, maybe a nice quality resister in series with the cd player might do the trick, as you say. Could kill the music, but I don't listen to the cd player much as it is.

Judd

Posted on: 16 May 2002 by syd

I'm using a Russ Andrews Kimber PBJ interconnect with -14Db attenuation with my Micromega stage 5 into a 92/90 with no problems. Got it cheap on Ebay and it had obviously been well run in. Look on ebay as there are a couple at the moment. If you don't like it you can always reauction. I use it with a din convertor. Perhaps with a more revealing amp set up it won't be quite as good.

Syd

Posted on: 16 May 2002 by Chris L

Judd,

Why not get in touch with Naim, or NANA is probably better for you, and see if they can modify the K-boards to give a slightly higher gain.

I remember at least one person on the Forum mentioning Naim had done this for his Prefix to better match the gain level of the CD and phono inputs.

Chris L