[JackD]

bajed

I am surprised that the 10x5 needs that much gain.  I have run the lower output DL-110 easily at 45 db and the .4mv ouput  DL-301 at 60 db. As to the loading, Dyna just says greater than 1k so you would need to experiment from between there and 47k.

[Wayner]

I am running 2 Emotiva XPS-1 phono preamps with my AT440MLa and they are awesome. There is no adjustment on the MM side, but it is not required. Tremendous sound stage, extended high frequencies, fantastic midrange, and a bass line that I've never really heard that good before. For $150, you would be hard pressed to find anything under $500 that is better. I also own the iPhono from iFi, and it is not as involving......... 

[bacobits1]

The Vista works very well with the Dyna 10X5 at 1k load and 55 db gain.
1k is the lower end of the recommended resistance and sounded very good indeed.
That is what I used when I had it.
I  was bowled over with the quality sound, raved about the Vista when I got it and people here came down on me accusing me a what, "a Fan Boy".
I removed all my comments from the thread, screw em!!!!!!
I don't like recommending anything anymore.
You do have some weirdo's here, want me to list them?
Wayner has ran across them and he's one of the good guys.

JackD runs 2 Vistas and many more cartridges than I ran in fact he helped me with the resistance settings and calculations.

[JackD]

I also have had an XPS-1 in house for going on a year now and Wayner's description of it is entirely accurate. I tried it with both Denon's and the Acutex STR-312.  Whether or not you think the 440mla needs loading down is entirely dependent on the rest of your system, especially speakers.

[jupiterboy]

So it appears the Phonomena II is going to live again, thanks to Michael’s seemingly endless generosity. Thanks for the suggestions. If I had the extra money, I would love to do some A/B comparison. Maybe the Vista will make another round of travel in MKIII.

Cheers.

[Wayner]

I also have had an XPS-1 in house for going on a year now and Wayner's description of it is entirely accurate. I tried it with both Denon's and the Acutex STR-312.  Whether or not you think the 440mla needs loading down is entirely dependent on the rest of your system, especially speakers.

It has been suggested to me via PM to try one phono preamp for each channel, so that will be tonight's experiment.....