[robinje]

I am tempted to try out a moving iron Soundsmith cartridge with my AVA Ultra SL preamp's phono section.  This cartridge has a specified output of 2.12mV (1Khz, 50 mm/sec), which I think is around half that of a typical moving magnet cartridge.  Is this potentially too low of an output voltage?  I suppose the noise floor of the 12AX7 tubes in the phono section would be a factor.  I have the stock tubes in there for now. 

[Wayner]

I successfully run a Sumiko Blue Point Special at 2.5mv output. I don't think you will have trouble, though you are starting to get to the end of the rope. And you are right, the noise floor will start to rise, although the AVA phono board is very quiet. You will just have to try it and see, but I do think you will be alright.

Wayner