[Theo]

I have a HO MC cartridge with 2.5mV output.  When I feed it directly to the Cornet2, I don't get enough gain to my amp and speakers, so I'm thinking about using a Piccolo for boosting the gain.  I see that the lowest gain from the Piccolo is 12dB, but this level of gain is recommended for cartridge output of 0.6-2.0mV.  Would applying 12dB boost to a 2.5mV cartridge overload it or distort the signal?  How do I customize the Piccolo for gain setting of about 6 or 8dB boost instead of 12dB?  Ideally, I wish to customize it for selectable gain setting of 6 or 8, 12 and 20 dB, instead of the stock 12, 20 and 26 dB.

[hagtech]

Use this chart to determine R2.  To get +6dB you need 2.2k.



jh

[Theo]

Thanks Jim for the timely and concise response.

[Theo]

Use this chart to determine R2.  To get +6dB you need 2.2k.



jh

I've decided to try configuring the gain selector for these positions instead -- 6, 12, 20, 26 dB.  So instead of the stock 0dB at the left most position, I use it for the 6dB.  Correct me if I'm wrong, I would install 2.2k in place of 4.75k at the R2A position for each channel.  Do I also need to make the Piccolo always on by installing a jumper at S2 in this case?  Thanks.

[hagtech]

Yes, the "always on" jumper is needed.

jh

[Brinkman]

Resurrecting this thread from the dead to ask a question regarding the resistor values off the above table.

The Piccolo manual specifies the R2 values as 4k75, 1k00, 221 and 22.1 corresponding to, respectively, +0, +12, +20 and +26dB gain. However, the table above only has values for up to 25dB gain. Also, from this table, 22.1 ohms looks a lot closer to +24.5dB rather than the 26dB specified in the manual.

Is the table or the manual off? Or am I just reading this wrong?

Best regards.

[hagtech]

Hmmm, good question.  I don't remember.  In real life it is probably closer to 25dB.  I think I made the chart prior to completing the PICCOLO circuit.  It was taken from some test data on a prototype. 

jh