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  1. #1

    Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    Hi!! A couple of days ago I get a Clearaudio Maestro V2 cartridge to upgrade my system (previously I had a Dynavector 10x5 (amazing cartridge!!) I was very excited installing it on my Clearaudio Emotion TT, but everything change when I try to listen the "new" sound of my TT.
    Saddly, It sounds mud without any HF, no dynamics, very bad sound, I've try to change the loading settings on my phono preamp (KRELL KPE STANDARD) but nothing change.

    I'm totally clueless, I don't know if the cartridge is faulty or if the KRELL can't handle it.

    Is there anyone who have a similar set-up or anyone who have any idea what's going on. I really don't know how to proceed.

    Many thanks in advance!!

    Ariel




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  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Re: Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    It's a standard MM cartridge and should work with the loading at 47k and the gain between 40-45db. Make sure the wiring is correct. Don't assume it uses the same convention as the Dynavector for wire connections.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

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    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  3. #3

    Re: Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    It's a standard MM cartridge and should work with the loading at 47k and the gain between 40-45db. Make sure the wiring is correct. Don't assume it uses the same convention as the Dynavector for wire connections.
    Hi Jack, thanks for your response, I've followed the colours at the back of the CA Maestro, should I dismiss those coloured dots and try to connect the wires in a different way? What do you think?

    Many thanks again!


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  4. #4
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    Re: Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    It looks from the user manual that the two positives are on the top and the two grounds on the bottom looking from the rear. It does sound as though one of the channels is out of phase. The sound will change some for the first 25 hours or so and if you verify the connections are correct you may just have to give it a little time and see if it opens up. From all I have read over the years the ClearAudio cartridges have a similar signature to AT's so high frequency response should not be an issue and on the contrary many find them bright. Also if the cartridge is new start at the top of the recommended range and certainly not the bottom. After it opens up you can drop the VTF some.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  5. #5
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    Re: Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    The color coding of the cartridge pins should match the connecting tonearm wires. While the DV-10x5 is a moving coil design, it's a high output designed to work into a standard MM phono input (typically gain ~40dB and a 47kohm load), the same settings which should work with your new Maestro v2 MM cartridge. The Krell KPE phono stage should be able to handle such a cartridge without issue, especially since you say it was doing well with the Dynavector. Recheck your wire connections to the cartridge, but the phono stage settings should not require any change for the new cartridge. Not sure whether you changed the cartridge yourself or not, but of course you need to align it properly to set the overhang, rebalance the arm for the appropriate tracking force, and adjust VTA. Any errors in these setup issues could cause the sound problems you're experiencing. Hope this helps and let us know how it goes!

  6. #6

    Re: Cartridge & phono preamp issue

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    It looks from the user manual that the two positives are on the top and the two grounds on the bottom looking from the rear. It does sound as though one of the channels is out of phase. The sound will change some for the first 25 hours or so and if you verify the connections are correct you may just have to give it a little time and see if it opens up. From all I have read over the years the ClearAudio cartridges have a similar signature to AT's so high frequency response should not be an issue and on the contrary many find them bright. Also if the cartridge is new start at the top of the recommended range and certainly not the bottom. After it opens up you can drop the VTF some.
    Ok Jack, I will follow your advice, I hope it open up soon!! Thank you!


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