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Cambridge Alva Duo Voltage Output

SebDFW

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Feb 15, 2024
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Alright, first time posting so go easy on me.

Trying to decide on an affordable ($500) Phono Preamp for my MoFi Ultradeck with Master Tracker MM with 3mV Output Voltage.

I read Amir’s review of the Cambridge Alva Duo and from my Neanderthal interpretation it seems to be well made. I realize that I won’t utilize the MC capability, but like having the option for down the road.

The only thing that has me concerned is the Duo’s Sensitivity for Nominal Output with MM @ 3.3mV.

I seem to recall reading somewhere that this number on a Phonostage should be “equal to”, or preferably “lower” than the Output Voltage of the cartridge. In other words, this Phono Preamp can handle a cartridge with an Output of 3.3mV or higher.

Am I misunderstanding this? I realize it’s only a 0.3mV difference but nonetheless would like a confirmation from all you smart people that comprehend this way better than I do.

Thanks for your input
 
I think you maybe have seen this review and here is another phone pre that you might consider.
 
With nearly 40dB of voltage gain for MM and nearly 60dB for MC, you have nothing to be concerned about. It's a good choice apart from a strange 19kHz spike in the spectrum.
 
10% is slightly less than a 1dB difference. (Insignificant)

I'd assume it will be fine.

It depends on what "normal output" means. Usually the amplifier that you plug it into will have sufficient gain. If the output is low you might have to turn-up the volume when you play a record and turn it down when you play a CD or movie.

Typically phono preamps have a gain of around 40dB (1000X) at 1kHz. That turns 3mv into 3V. (Because of the RIAA equalization, the gain is around 20dB higher at lower frequencies and about 20dB lower at high frequencies.)

Maximum output & headroom are also important. You don't want the preamp to clip (distort) with a "hot" cartridge and/or "hot" records.

To me, the most important thing with a phono preamp is noise (usually hiss or hum). All active electronics have SOME noise, and with a high-gain circuit like a phono preamp or a microphone preamp, the noise gets amplified. Sometimes the preamp noise is audible, especially with headphones and the volume cranked-up. But with a good preamp the surface noise on record is worse and you only hear it when the record isn't playing. If you compare noise specs, compare the measurements here. There are various ways to measure & specify noise so you can't compare different manufacturers published specs.
 
10% is slightly less than a 1dB difference. (Insignificant)

I'd assume it will be fine.

It depends on what "normal output" means. Usually the amplifier that you plug it into will have sufficient gain. If the output is low you might have to turn-up the volume when you play a record and turn it down when you play a CD or movie.

Typically phono preamps have a gain of around 40dB (1000X) at 1kHz. That turns 3mv into 3V. (Because of the RIAA equalization, the gain is around 20dB higher at lower frequencies and about 20dB lower at high frequencies.)

Maximum output & headroom are also important. You don't want the preamp to clip (distort) with a "hot" cartridge and/or "hot" records.

To me, the most important thing with a phono preamp is noise (usually hiss or hum). All active electronics have SOME noise, and with a high-gain circuit like a phono preamp or a microphone preamp, the noise gets amplified. Sometimes the preamp noise is audible, especially with headphones and the volume cranked-up. But with a good preamp the surface noise on record is worse and you only hear it when the record isn't playing. If you compare noise specs, compare the measurements here. There are various ways to measure & specify noise so you can't compare different manufacturers published specs.
10% is slightly less than a 1dB difference. (Insignificant)

I'd assume it will be fine.

It depends on what "normal output" means. Usually the amplifier that you plug it into will have sufficient gain. If the output is low you might have to turn-up the volume when you play a record and turn it down when you play a CD or movie.

Typically phono preamps have a gain of around 40dB (1000X) at 1kHz. That turns 3mv into 3V. (Because of the RIAA equalization, the gain is around 20dB higher at lower frequencies and about 20dB lower at high frequencies.)

Maximum output & headroom are also important. You don't want the preamp to clip (distort) with a "hot" cartridge and/or "hot" records.

To me, the most important thing with a phono preamp is noise (usually hiss or hum). All active electronics have SOME noise, and with a high-gain circuit like a phono preamp or a microphone preamp, the noise gets amplified. Sometimes the preamp noise is audible, especially with headphones and the volume cranked-up. But with a good preamp the surface noise on record is worse and you only hear it when the record isn't playing. If you compare noise specs, compare the measurements here. There are various ways to measure & specify noise so you can't compare different manufacturers published specs.
The Nominal Output is listed at 300mV, I’m assuming that is the Headroom figure, which is almost 100X of sensitivity.
As far as the Preamp I’ve been considering the Eversolo A8 as a do it all unit, currently using a Marantz Cinema 70s which was a temporary replacement due to the failure of my beloved Denon 5800. Already have 2 Purifi 7040 monoblocks driving Sonus Faber Cremonas with ML Descent sub.
 
I think you maybe have seen this review and here is another phone pre that you might consider.
The puffin seems to have higher distortion and lower headroom. I initially considered the Gold Note PH-10, but it has significantly (doubled) gone up from its original ~$1000 price tag.
 
The puffin seems to have higher distortion and lower headroom. I initially considered the Gold Note PH-10, but it has significantly (doubled) gone up from its original ~$1000 price tag.
I thought maybe the digital output would be a decent feature.
 
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