[eric the red]

Bought this http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=23935.0 Bugle awhile back and just purchased a Rega Planar 2 with a Benz Micro MC cartridge. Will the Bugle work with a MC cartridge or do I have to mod it in some way in order for it to work with a MC cartridge or switch to a MM? TIA

[Doc Jr 8156]

I believe the Bugle's gain is like 44db, no?  If it is then it will work for "high output MC cartridges".  Shoot for MC cartridges that have at least 2mv of output and it will work.  What is the output of Benz Micro? 0.4mv?  If so, you need a step-up transformer.  Lundahl, Jensen, Cinemag, Tribute, S&B, and Denon manufacture step-up trannies.  Godspeed.

[mcrespo71]

What Benz Micro MC cartridge is it?  They usually offer their carts in Low-, Medium-, and High-output versions.  You would need the high output version to work with the Bugle.

[Yoda]

The Bugle gain can be adjusted up to 60db by changing certain resistors-check the kit manual.
http://www.hagtech.com/pdf/bugle.pdf

[hagtech]

You can set Bugle gain to anything you want.  For the Benz, try 60dB.  All the info you need in this online calculator:

www.hagtech.com/equalization.html

jh

[mantisory]

I am not sure what all this means.
I used a rega bias cart. which has a high ouput. i recently bought a clearaudio emotion which included a 'classic' cartridge which has a lower ouput and now my bugle makes no music at all...on top of that, i am thinking to buy a low output MC and am wondering if i will have to rebuild my bugle with all new resistor values? or just use the empty spaces to load it according to what the cartridge output impedance is (40 Ohms)...i am confused!

[hagtech]

If you have no music at all, then it is not a matter of gain, but a broken connection.  Maybe bad interconnect or bad cartridge.  The change of gain only makes the music louder.

Yes, if you want higher gain you will have to replace 4 of the resistors on the BUGLE.  Info is in the manual and online at: www.hagtech.com/equalization.html.

jh

[mantisory]

ok, so help me understand. sorry about my lame questions but i am one of those who can solder but that's about it.
Anyway, there is no problem with the table - it runs with my MM stage in my preamp fine, so i guess it must be something with the bugle, but no worries, i will figure that one out.
I check out the link you provided, and assume that R10=Ra, R14=Rb, R8=Rc and R13=Rd. Using that, and the defaults (I am not even quite sure what those are, but oh well), as well as assuming a gain of 60, i determine that i only need to replace R5,3,23, and 21 from 1.3KOhms to 388Ohms ...
however, in the manual it says "For moving coil cartridges the loading resistance is often specified to be much less than 47k." It then says i can specify the load resistance by placing the desired values into R16 and 34...
So, does this mean that besides the replacement specified above that i should also solder in a 40 Ohm resistor (Output impedance of the denon dl103)?

[hagtech]

only need to replace R5,3,23, and 21 from 1.3KOhms to 388

Yes.  Use 392 ohms 1%.

placing the desired values into R16 and 34

Yes, loading for the cart goes here.  These resistors are in parallel with the 47k input.  I would start with 100 ohms and go from there.  If sound is too dark, then raise up to 150.  If too bright, then lower to 75.  Or something to that effect. 

The new phonostage I am working on will make all of this easier.  Three phono inputs, two specifically for MC.  Either of those has two gain settings which you can switch on the fly using the remote.  As far as loading, imagine dialing in the value while sitting in your chair listening.  Just turn the knob on the remote.  Loading is variable in maybe a dozen steps.  It'll cost a bit more than a BUGLE, though.

jh

[PatOMalley]

Jim,

are there any issues with running wire from R16 and 34 to screwdown connections so you can add resistors on the outside of the case like the Bent Mu's?

[mantisory]

excellent, thanks! I figured it was this way but wasn't sure about the treble/bass rolloffs, etc...
in any case, let me know when you get the new phono stage done and i'll gladly be the first ginuea pig for ya 
On another note, i went out and bought some regular batteries, and it works fine...seems the rechargeables i'd been using have bit the biscuit (although they seem to power my cmoy headphone amp fine - same opamp..weird eh?)
Byron

[mantisory]

Well, I got the resistors replaced and went with the 100R cartridge loading and right off the bat it sounds pretty good ( alittle forward and bright, but not too bad for most stuff)
Anyway, somehow i have developed some hiss in the bugle now...only discernable at fairly high levels but it IS there
I am not sure what i may have done only the resistors were replaced, however, when i was removing one of them (r5, i think) the insert came out with the lead of the resistor - i put it back in but thought it may be a problem. However the hiss is in stereo...i set a gain of 60 - has anyone here had similar problems with high(er) gain on the bugle?
Thanks,
B

[hagtech]

Yes, you will have some hiss.  The BUGLE is best suited to MM carts or high output MCs.  Hey, for that price, what do you expect? 

On the other hand, this was done intentionally!  The topology was optimized for sonics - that's the passive split equalization - which is not good for SNR.  The high feedback type phonostage is better for low hiss.  It just doesn't sound near as good.  So, you either design for specs, or for sound.

jh

[mantisory]

maybe what i'll do then is go back to the 40db gain and buy a couple of step-up transformers..kinda defeats the idea of low cost though doesn't it
the hiss is not really discernable when listening actually...only in quiet passages.
thanks Jim,
Byron

[PatOMalley]

what cartridge are you using?

[mantisory]

i am using a denon dl-103, on a clearaudio emotion - 0.3mV output with 40Ohm output impedance - i am thinking to also try the 103R which is supposed to be a significant upgrade...the benz i'd like to try but it's not really in my budget...
B