Hi guys,
I've recently installed a new cartridge on my vinyl rig. After reading quite positive reviews, I pulled the trigger for a Hana SL. The cartridge is now placed in this system (https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/docvales-new-system.32226/#post-734292) and, specifically, it is my first Low Output MC. In fact, it replaced a Sumiko Pearl, which came pre-mounted on my turntable.
Upon the installation and alignment, I ran some tests and I collected the following (and somehow expected) findings:
- the Hana extracts more information from the grooves, in particular for the high frequencies. This might also be emphasized by me being used to the Pearl, which, retrospectively, sounded quite soft. At the moment the cartridge is loaded at 470 ohm, which performed better than wide open at 47 kohm. I have not tried lower loads, yet they would not be recommended by the manufacturer
- the Hana outputs at 0.5mV and I set the sensitivity of the Devialet's phono stage at 0.6mV. Compared to the Pearl (4mV), this resulted in a significant increase in the gain with the consequent higher surface noise (obviously, very dependent on the record) and some audible hiss with the arm in lifted position. The latter is not a dramatic issue, since the hiss is faint enough not to be noticeable during playback, yet I know it is there... with an MM cartridge, the Devialet's phono input is dead quiet, with zero hiss.
While I'm extremely happy with the overall performance, I am sure that the introduction of a SUT would allow me to return to the zero hiss I used to have, plus the benefits of the more refined and detailed performance of the Hana.
Any suggestions? I would like to have something commensurate with the rest of the system and, consequently, keep the budget contained and welcome used devices. The Hana has an internal impedance of 30 ohm and, with its output, my understanding would be having a SUT with a 1:10 ratio, so that the cartridge would "see" a 470 ohm load and generate the equivalent of 5mV.
Thanks in advance!
I've recently installed a new cartridge on my vinyl rig. After reading quite positive reviews, I pulled the trigger for a Hana SL. The cartridge is now placed in this system (https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/docvales-new-system.32226/#post-734292) and, specifically, it is my first Low Output MC. In fact, it replaced a Sumiko Pearl, which came pre-mounted on my turntable.
Upon the installation and alignment, I ran some tests and I collected the following (and somehow expected) findings:
- the Hana extracts more information from the grooves, in particular for the high frequencies. This might also be emphasized by me being used to the Pearl, which, retrospectively, sounded quite soft. At the moment the cartridge is loaded at 470 ohm, which performed better than wide open at 47 kohm. I have not tried lower loads, yet they would not be recommended by the manufacturer
- the Hana outputs at 0.5mV and I set the sensitivity of the Devialet's phono stage at 0.6mV. Compared to the Pearl (4mV), this resulted in a significant increase in the gain with the consequent higher surface noise (obviously, very dependent on the record) and some audible hiss with the arm in lifted position. The latter is not a dramatic issue, since the hiss is faint enough not to be noticeable during playback, yet I know it is there... with an MM cartridge, the Devialet's phono input is dead quiet, with zero hiss.
While I'm extremely happy with the overall performance, I am sure that the introduction of a SUT would allow me to return to the zero hiss I used to have, plus the benefits of the more refined and detailed performance of the Hana.
Any suggestions? I would like to have something commensurate with the rest of the system and, consequently, keep the budget contained and welcome used devices. The Hana has an internal impedance of 30 ohm and, with its output, my understanding would be having a SUT with a 1:10 ratio, so that the cartridge would "see" a 470 ohm load and generate the equivalent of 5mV.
Thanks in advance!
