[drphoto]

The Mapletree specs say 48 dB of gain for the phono stage.

I have no idea if that is enough with a 1.6 mV cart. I don't know the conversion factor

Jeez, I feel like I've started to dig a money pit. I got a great deal on the P3-24. But now I'm looking at a least a couple hundred for a cart, maybe same for record cleaner.....even a cheap one and god only know what for upgrade platter mats, VTA adjusters, etc.   

Somebody tell me I'm not losing my mind for going down this path.

When I got a the tube preamp (when running a digital source).....that was an immediate upgrade, same w/ the GR/Rythmik OB subs.

But this.....this feels like a, well....lateral move at best.

[JakeJ]

Doc, you aren't losing your mind and haven't made a mistake by getting into vinyl playback.

You must understand it has the same idiosyncrasies that photography has.  In photography you need to get ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings all right for the image to be what the mind wants.  As you know certain parameters can be "pushed" around for varying results.

Phonograph playback is similar and has certain parameters within a narrow window for optimal results.  Vertical tracking angle, azimuth (needle straight up and down in the groove), proper gain and cartridge loading are the main parameters you need to dial in.  Once you do you should reap the rewards we all blather on and on about.

Don't sweat the tweaky stuff for now and concentrate on getting things properly dialed in. I'm not so sure the AT MLA440 is the right cart for your table/arm combo and think the Denon might be a better match but I also realize the choices are bewildering at best.  Take your time choosing a cart and don't be afraid to buy used as long as the seller can provide clear close-ups of the cantilever and stylus.

Seek the help of a local member/vinylphile willing to come over and help.  PM sent in the event you are close to me.

Once you get it you'll be a happy black disc spinner!

My Best,
JakeJ

[TheChairGuy]

The Mapletree specs say 48 dB of gain for the phono stage.

I have no idea if that is enough with a 1.6 mV cart. I don't know the conversion factor

Somebody tell me I'm not losing my mind for going down this path.

When I got a the tube preamp (when running a digital source).....that was an immediate upgrade, same w/ the GR/Rythmik OB subs.

But this.....this feels like a, well....lateral move at best.

Doc,

Denon is notoriously underspecced on voltages.  The Needle Doctor measured the voltage of the DL110/160 at 2.2mv....I have the DL-160 and I can tell you it needs no more boost than my 4mv Grado, somehow

48db boost at your phono/preamp is more than sufficient I would believe.

It's a very nice cartridge that has not gone up in price in 2 decades...a real rarity in what is now a very inflated landscape of (new) phono cartridges available to us 

Rega's and Grado's don't mix....dreaded hum...that much is pretty consistent fo rmany years with vinylphools on a variety of tables that Rega ha produced.  It's not particualr to your tabel...it's endemic to all Rega's in that they run unshielded and it interacts with the Grado cartridge.

John

[sts9fan]

I agree with John. I have not measured the DL-110 but I have never had to use my MC stage. My pre had pretty high gain at 18 but my amp has very low gain at 12. So I figure you will be in the ball park.

[drphoto]

Ok, I think I'll give the Denon a shot. Just my luck I bought a Grado, then ended up w/ Rega and the two are incompatible.

Anyone want the Grado Green for $20? Barely used, and I'll include my version of the Longhorn.