[kingpin]

Hi,

I have a Signature 30.2 integrated and am considering a new phono stage, a Puresound P10.  I'll be running a cartridge with 3.6 mV output.

Right now the amp powers a pair of Tannoy Arden's and I usually run the amp close to full volume to get the sound levels I like.

In a review of the P10 it states that the phono stage "offers x100 gain for moving magnet cartridges, which is about the minimum required for satisfactory matching to most amplifiers.  Volume will have to be turned right up on amplifiers of 400 mV or so sensitivity..."

I'd like to know if I should be safe going for this phono stage.  I want to make sure I don't get a reduction in volume.  What is the sensitivity of the sig 30.2?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Vinnie R.]

Hi Kingpin,

If your cartridge has a 3.6mV output, and your phonostage offers a gain of 100, then the output voltage of your phonostage will be 360mV (0.36V). 

The input sensitivity of the Sig 30.2 integrated is approx. 0.5Vrms, so while this will work, you'll probably find that you need to really turn up the volume when you want to play it loud, and you still won't be able to reach the full 30Wrms output of the Sig 30.2 (but depending on how loud you play and the sensitivity of your speakers, you might not need to).  For example, if you have high-efficiency speakers and you don't play it very loud, it probably will work out fine!

Hopefully you can get a return-policy on the phonostage to make sure it works out for you...

Hope this helps,

Vinnie

[kingpin]

Thanks for the reply Vinnie.

My Ardens are around 92 dB, so pretty efficient.  However I like to play music pretty loud sometimes and my room is about 250 sqft.

If I just run a phonostage into the sig 30.2, what is the minimum output I should look for to be able to get close to the full 30W rms output from my amp?

Would I be better running a full preamp with good quality phono stage?  That way maybe I'd get some additional gain.

Sorry for all the questions, but I don't have much technical knowledge on audio equipment.

[Vinnie R.]

Would I be better running a full preamp with good quality phono stage?  That way maybe I'd get some additional gain.

Sorry for all the questions, but I don't have much technical knowledge on audio equipment.

You can get a full preamp with built-in phonostage, or you can get your phono stage and use a separate, active preamp.

You can try the phonostage that you mention with your 30.2 and see if it does the trick, but if not, return it or add an active preamp for more gain if needed.

Yet another option (again, if you find you even need it) is using a "step-up" transformer for your low-output moving coil cartridge - which will boost its output voltage that it feeds into your phonostage, so your phonostage will then output more voltage...

Best regards,

Vinnie