[jules]

Hi all,

I'm about to dust off an old B&o TT that I've had sitting around for some time. As I understand it they're not a brilliant TT but it will do for a start.

I have a question about phono stages:- The B&o is a sort of hybrid MMC cart. It has an output variously described as "5mV average" or 1mV/cm/sec with a load impedance of 47kohm.

Now, ignore all the above ... my actual question is this:

The electrical characteristics of carts differ. Is it possible to design one phono-stage amp with adjust ability to suit the majority of  cart types?

jules

[SET Man]

Hey!

   Yes, some phono stage offer adjustable gain. Not just for MM or MC but gain levels to match the output of the cart. Mostly this is more useful with different MC carts. And some offer even more flexibility with MC cart like resistive load adjustment.

   As for you B&O TT. Well, better than nothing. Than you could upgrade later. If you already have some LPs then there is no reason why you shouldn't hook up your B&O TT and spin those LPs.

   Is sound like the cart of you have now should work fine with MM phono stage pre. Sound like MM cart to me.

   Anyway enjoy.

Take care,
Buddy

[jules]

thanks Buddy,

that's what I wanted to know about the phono-stage.

As for you B&O TT. Well, better than nothing.

yes ... so long as I don't cause any damage to the vinyl with it, it'll do for the moment. I'll have it checked before I launch it.

Is sound like the cart of you have now should work fine with MM phono stage pre. Sound like MM cart to me.

Yes again ... it is basically an MM type though B & O invented something they called "moving micro-cross" which apparently keeps the magnet and coil stationary while having a "moving micro cross" to keep the weight down ... ??

jules

[SET Man]

Hey!

  Well, as long as you confident that the stylus is still in good shape and not worn out and tracking weight is right than it should be fine.

  Oh! BTW... the phono stage that have lots of adjustment flexibilities tend to be pricey 

Take care,
Buddy

[TheChairGuy]

Jules,

Give 'er a rip and enjoy! 

I think technically, B&O cartridges are moving iron cartridges...close kin to moving magnets.  The B&O cartridges are still sought after by collectors...reported to sound very good (especially on the very low mass B&O arms).

Here is the outfit in the US that has reverse engineered all the old B&O cartridges and sell them the world over.  B&O refers folks to them I understand...

http://www.sound-smith.com/cartridges/index.html

John

[jules]

Yes, hard not to notice that "pricey" and "turntable" often appear together 

I'll have Soundsmith check the stylus and cart. out first. I've got a detailed sheet on adjusting the weight and with B & O there's limited settings.

jules

ps just read your post John ... thanks