Cartridge recommendation

Posted by: Adolfo Aguiar on 28 August 2001

Oops! Sorry, I will start again.
My analog front-end is Linn LP12 Valhalla, Ittok and DV10X II.
I have an old Karma that needs to be refurbished.
Should I do that (cost 350UKP) or go for a DV20XL (cost 300UKP).
Is it possible to use a Prefix in this configuration?
Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Tony L
quote:
My analog front-end is Linn LP12 Valhalla, Ittok and DV10X II.
I have an old Karma that needs to be refurbished.
Should I do that (cost 350UKP) or go for a DV20XL (cost 300UKP).
Is it possible to use a Prefix in this configuration?

As I am sure you know, your DV10XII is a high output MC that is designed to work into a MM input. The DV20XL and your old Karma are both low output MCs and designed to be used with a normal MC level phono stage. The Prefix is available both as a MM stage, and two flavours of MC - S for the vast majority of MC cartridges, and K for the early Linn cartridges such as the Troika and your Karma. In all honesty there is not a massive difference between the two kinds, but if you know the cart that you plan to use it is worth ordering the correct Prefix for it.

Tony.

Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Tony L
quote:
Are you sure that there are just two flavours of MC prefix?

Not sure at all, in fact I bet you are right! I just thought I would answer the post as no Prifix owner had come forward wink

Tony.

Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Joe Petrik
The Prefix is available as S (standard, low-output MC), K (wide-bandwidth, low-output MC), or E (medium-output MC).

The Stageline is available in all the Prefix flavours plus standard MM.

Joe

Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Arthur Bye
Tony, Joe and Richard (or Frank Abela):

Any of you know where I can get information on how cartidges should match up with phono stages. I've got a Prefix "K" and would like to get some guidelines on gain and impedance matching to figure out which cartridges are the most suitable. I was considering the Lyra Helikon for my K but it seems like the output is better suited for an E board. Same seems to go for the Dyna XX2. There are at least 2 Forum members that have mated the K with an XX2 so it must work, but what's the downside?

Arthur Bye

Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Joe Petrik
Arthur,

quote:
Any of you know where I can get information on how cartidges should match up with phono stages.

The only trend I've discovered (with plenty of exceptions -- but that's why a wrote trend) is that the smoother and more coherent a MC cartridge's response at 20 kHz or beyond, the more likely it should be matched with the K boards.

Unfortunately, it's a suck 'n' see situation, one that's relatively easy to do with phono boards but a huge pain in the arse with a Prefix or Stageline.

Joe

Posted on: 30 August 2001 by Martin M
In the US you can can obtain a low-output version of the Helikon (called the Helikon LE I think) that is well matched to the K boards. I am also assured that this cartridge outperforms its high-output version.

I personally find Dynavectors a little 'hot' in the treble with K boards and so I would sggest the use of an 'S' prefix with these.

I hope this helps!

Posted on: 31 August 2001 by Arthur Bye
Martin/Joe:

Thanks for the information. I was unaware of the low output Helikon. I'll have to go check that out.

Thanks

Arthur Bye