Rega Fono MC settings with Ortofon MC x10

[Ben Jenssen]

I'm picking up a used Rega Fono MC box tomorrow (not mk3/4). My x10 cartridge specs says 0.7mV output. I've done my research, but I'm an idiot with electronics, could someone please outline in layman's terms how I approach setting the dip switches on the Rega Fono? Maybe suggest a starting point? It has 4 impedance options ranging from 70 to 400 ohms.
Thanks.

 

[JP]

100 or closest you have to that will be fine.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

100 or closest you have to that will be fine.

Thanks.
What about capacitance?

 

[JP]

Whatever you want. It'll likely only make a difference to ultrasonic noise and IMD thereof. If one settings makes pops ticks sound less intrusive go with that.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Many thanks, JP.
I feel a lot better. Can't wait.

You think I'll be happier with the sound, compared to the 30 yrs old Sony TA-FA30ES built-in MC stage I'm using now? Or not so much?

 

[JP]

There's subjective happy and objective happy. I couldn't answer either one as I've no experience with either piece of kit.

And don't worry - you're not going to hurt anything regardless of the settings.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Thanks again.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

objective happy

....hmmm
interesting... non-subjective happy...
I need a drink.

 

[sceptical1]

Ortofon says 0.4mv and 50r load for the x10.
That would be 70r and 63.5db gain settings on the Rega.
Looking at the rear of the Rega things don't look promising. I expect gold plated connectors, no dipswitches (quality compromised), a randomly chosen input load of 70r (why not 50r) and why a capacitive load on a (mc only?) preamp, and relatively expensive.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Ortofon says 0.4mv and 50r load for the x10.
That would be 70r and 63.5db gain settings on the Rega.
Looking at the rear of the Rega things don't look promising. I expect gold plated connectors, no dipswitches (quality compromised), a randomly chosen input load of 70r (why not 50r) and why a capacitive load on a (mc only?) preamp, and relatively expensive.

Thanks. Yeah, you're right, it's 0.4mV

Ortofon MC x10 specs:
Channel balance at 1 kHz
0.5 dB
Output voltage at 1 kHz, 5cm/sec
0.4 mV
Channel separation at 1 kHz
24 dB
Frequency response 20 Hz - 20 kHz
+/-2 dB
Compliance, dynamic, lateral
13 μm/mN
Cantilever material
Aluminium
Stylus type
Elliptical
Stylus tip radius
r/R 8/18 μm
Stylus suspensions
Ortofon exclusive
Coil system
Quad coils
Tracking force, recommended
2.0 grams
Internal impedance, DC resistance
6 Ω
Coil wire material
High-purity silver
Cartridge weight
8.6 grams
Recommended load resistance
> 50 Ω

I guess I'll try the 70 ohm setting on the Rega and hope for the best.

I don't know about expensive; It's $400+ new in my country, and I got it used for $200.

 

[DSJR]

Ortofon says 0.4mv and 50r load for the x10.
That would be 70r and 63.5db gain settings on the Rega.
Looking at the rear of the Rega things don't look promising. I expect gold plated connectors, no dipswitches (quality compromised), a randomly chosen input load of 70r (why not 50r) and why a capacitive load on a (mc only?) preamp, and relatively expensive.

Rega's Roy Gandy has a deep thing against gold plating sockets and 'plating' in general, as he told us rookie dealers that multiple metallic layers one on top of the other, was for visual rather than any sonic reasons! The cost difference between nickel plated and gold-over-nickel (?) is relative pennies in parts cost and Roy G being the person he is as I knew him anyway, I'm not at all surprised how the thing looks on the back!

No idea on measurements on the Fono MC, but it 'sounds' fine with popular MC types including their sometimes 'wild-at-hf' homemade MC models (the Ania used to be the one smoother balanced exception).

 

[JP]

Ortofon says 0.4mv and 50r load for the x10.
That would be 70r and 63.5db gain settings on the Rega.
Looking at the rear of the Rega things don't look promising. I expect gold plated connectors, no dipswitches (quality compromised), a randomly chosen input load of 70r (why not 50r) and why a capacitive load on a (mc only?) preamp, and relatively expensive.

They say >50R. Doesn’t make a bit of difference aside from a slight level change Let’s not confuse this persons setup with audiophile nonsense.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Thanks for the replies, everybody.
I received the Fono MC today, and unfortunately it was broken. Turns on and the logo illuminates, but no output signal at all. I contacted the seller, who has another one that he will send me. I'll report back in this thread sometime late next week.

 

[Ben Jenssen]

Update; I got the (working) Rega Fono, and it's working great. Dip switches are set to; 1-up, 2-up, 3-up, and 4-down. This gives me a good signal to my line ins on my Topping E2x2, and a healthy headroom of 5-6db, often a bit more.

Check out my ripped albums on Google Drive:

Platearkiv - Google Drive

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