Astra Phono Setup Help

[Factory Films]

Hello.  I have a new Astra and need help with setting up the Phono.  I have a Hana ML cartridge, which is, of course, Moving Coil.   Devialet does not have a setup for this cartridge in its cartridge selection.  

Can someone please walk me through the best selections in the app so I know that I am playing in the MC mode and using the best Output?   

RIAA Curve
Output Level
Loading 
Cartridge Balance


Specs here on Hana Site:  https://www.hanacartridges.com/products/hana-ml

Other Specks: 
Stylus: Nude MicroLine tip
Cantilever: Aluminum
Magnet: Alnico
Magnetic Circuitry: Pure iron/cryo treatment
Coil Wire: High-purity copper
Cartridge Housing: POM (Delrin)/brass
Output Level: 0.4 mV/1 kHz
Vertical Tracking Force: 2 g
Frequency Response: 12-45,000 Hz
Impedance: 8 Ω/1 kHz
Suggested Impedance: > 100 Ω
Weight: 9.5 g

[thumb5]

Hello,

I'd suggest this configuration as a starting point:

• cartridge type: MC
  
• channels: stereo
  
• max level: 400 µV rms
  
• loading 200 Ω, 400 pF
  

You might want to adjust the resistive loading (Ω) to fine-tune the high-frequency response to taste.  Adjusting the capacitive loading (pF) might also have an effect, but likely less so.

If I were you, I'd start with balance in the middle and only adjust it if you hear a consistent bias to one side or the other.

The choice of RIAA curve is probably a matter of personal choice and/or the kind of recordings you play.  For general use, the RIAA 1976 is probably best.

The Expert series amplifiers have an "auto wi-fi standby" option which is usually a good thing to enable as it reduces the possibility of "chirping" noises in the phono signal caused by interference from the wi-fi transmitter.  I don't know whether the Astra has this, but that might be worth checking (it's under Advanced Settings in the phono configuration section of the Expert configurator).

Hope that helps!  (I have a Hana MH and love it.)

[Factory Films]

Hello,

I'd suggest this configuration as a starting point:

• cartridge type: MC
  
• channels: stereo
  
• max level: 400 µV rms
  
• loading 200 Ω, 400 pF
  

You might want to adjust the resistive loading (Ω) to fine-tune the high-frequency response to taste.  Adjusting the capacitive loading (pF) might also have an effect, but likely less so.

If I were you, I'd start with balance in the middle and only adjust it if you hear a consistent bias to one side or the other.

Is this 

The choice of RIAA curve is probably a matter of personal choice and/or the kind of recordings you play.  For general use, the RIAA 1976 is probably best.

The Expert series amplifiers have an "auto wi-fi standby" option which is usually a good thing to enable as it reduces the possibility of "chirping" noises in the phono signal caused by interference from the wi-fi transmitter.  I don't know whether the Astra has this, but that might be worth checking (it's under Advanced Settings in the phono configuration section of the Expert configurator).

Hope that helps!  (I have a Hana MH and love it.)

I feel like such a DUMMY.. I have the ML not the MH. Can you please send the specs you suggest for the ML since you have one i will follow yours.

[Factory Films]

Hello,

I'd suggest this configuration as a starting point:

• cartridge type: MC
  
• channels: stereo
  
• max level: 400 µV rms
  
• loading 200 Ω, 400 pF
  

You might want to adjust the resistive loading (Ω) to fine-tune the high-frequency response to taste.  Adjusting the capacitive loading (pF) might also have an effect, but likely less so.

If I were you, I'd start with balance in the middle and only adjust it if you hear a consistent bias to one side or the other.

Is this 

The choice of RIAA curve is probably a matter of personal choice and/or the kind of recordings you play.  For general use, the RIAA 1976 is probably best.

The Expert series amplifiers have an "auto wi-fi standby" option which is usually a good thing to enable as it reduces the possibility of "chirping" noises in the phono signal caused by interference from the wi-fi transmitter.  I don't know whether the Astra has this, but that might be worth checking (it's under Advanced Settings in the phono configuration section of the Expert configurator).

Hope that helps!  (I have a Hana MH and love it.)

I feel like such a DUMMY.. I have the ML not the MH.  Can you please send the specs you suggest for the ML since you have one i will follow yours.

Here was the response from Devialet: 

Since you have the Hana ML, which is a High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) cartridge, you can set it up on your Devialet Astra as follows:

• Cartridge Type: Set to MM (Moving Magnet) in the Astra settings.
  
• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ (default MM setting)
  
• Capacitance: Default (100–200pF)
  

This is because high-output MC cartridges like the Hana ML have electrical characteristics similar to MM cartridges, making this the correct and recommended setting.  

This doesnt seem correct since I have a low output cartridge. 

[thumb5]

...
Here was the response from Devialet: 

Since you have the Hana ML, which is a High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) cartridge, you can set it up on your Devialet Astra as follows:

• Cartridge Type: Set to MM (Moving Magnet) in the Astra settings.
  
• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ (default MM setting)
  
• Capacitance: Default (100–200pF)
  

This is because high-output MC cartridges like the Hana ML have electrical characteristics similar to MM cartridges, making this the correct and recommended setting.  

This doesnt seem correct since I have a low output cartridge. 

As you say, the ML is not a high-output MC and the recommended loading is low resistance rather than 47 kΩ; I think Devialet have given you misleading advice.

[Factory Films]

...
Here was the response from Devialet: 

Since you have the Hana ML, which is a High Output Moving Coil (HOMC) cartridge, you can set it up on your Devialet Astra as follows:

• Cartridge Type: Set to MM (Moving Magnet) in the Astra settings.
  
• Load Impedance: 47 kΩ (default MM setting)
  
• Capacitance: Default (100–200pF)
  

This is because high-output MC cartridges like the Hana ML have electrical characteristics similar to MM cartridges, making this the correct and recommended setting.  

This doesnt seem correct since I have a low output cartridge. 

As you say, the ML is not a high-output MC and the recommended loading is low resistance rather than 47 kΩ; I think Devialet have given you misleading advice.

Since you have an ML can you suggest your settings?

[thumb5]

For the avoidance of doubt, I have a Hana MH, not an ML.  The configuration I use for the MH is:

• cartridge type: MC
  
• channels: stereo
  
• max level: 1600 µV rms
  
• loading: High / 200 pF
  
• startup curve: RIAA1976
  
• balance L/R: 0
  
• sampling rate: 96 kHz
  

[G51]

I am using Hana ML on SME6 pairing with Expert Pro 220 CI. My setting is Moving Coil / Stereo / 400 µVrms / 100 ohm / 0 pF /auto wi-fi standby on. Hope this helps.

[Factory Films]

I am using Hana ML on SME6 pairing with Expert Pro 220 CI. My setting is Moving Coil / Stereo / 400 µVrms / 100 ohm / 0 pF /auto wi-fi standby on. Hope this helps.

Thanks! This is the same setting suggestion that Devialet offered as well.