Running MM cartridge on MC Stageline using input gain

Posted by: rmatosev on 29 November 2015

Hi,

I have an Uniti (1st), Stageline K and Rega RP6 with Denon DL103R.

As it is a rather low output cartridge (about 0,28 mV) I have to set input gain on +10 to get the sound level comparable to other inputs.

However, I tried high-input Benz Micro Silver (2mV) on Stageline K and achived the same sound level with input gain on Uniti set on -5.

Does it mean I could run MM cartridges through Stageline K with decreased input gain or there are some other issues I should be aware of?

Also, does it work the other way around (MC on Stageline N)?

Has anyone been down that road?

Posted on: 29 November 2015 by sktn77a

No and no. The impedance mismatch with a MM into a MC step up would result in a boomy, muffled (not to mention loud and possibly distorted) sound. Conversely, running a low output (<0.5mv) MC into a MM input stage would result in an very lightweight (and quiet/possibly noisy) sound. These are generalizations as I haven't heard every MC/MM cartridge into every MC/MM input stage, but I've heard quite a few in over 50 years of HiFI.

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by Richard Dane

Quite apart from any other mismatch, you will overload the phono stage by running a MM cart into an MC stage. Even the Benz Micro at 2mV would have been running the phono stage into overload - not good.

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by rmatosev

Hi guys,

thanks for the answers and clarifications.

It was just an experiment to see what happens.

Even if we count with possible degradation of sound by this connection, Benz Micro did not work for me. Anyways, a big smile returned to my face when I put back DL103R. :-)

Posted on: 30 November 2015 by sheffieldgraham

Originally Posted by rmatosev:

Hi,

I have an Uniti (1st), Stageline K and Rega RP6 with Denon DL103R.

As it is a rather low output cartridge (about 0,28 mV) I have to set input gain on +10 to get the sound level comparable to other inputs.

However, I tried high-input Benz Micro Silver (2mV) on Stageline K and achived the same sound level with input gain on Uniti set on -5.

Does it mean I could run MM cartridges through Stageline K with decreased input gain or there are some other issues I should be aware of?

Also, does it work the other way around (MC on Stageline N)?

Has anyone been down that road?

High output MC's may work with the Stageline N

I run a Wilson Benesch Ply which is a re-worked Benz Micro Glider (High output 1.58 mV).

Unfortunately due to stylus supply problems WB no longer market it, but there may be alternatives elsewhere.