Understanding phono settings

[mikdahl]

Hi!

I´ve increased the gain for the phono input by lowering the "Max level" to 0.27 MV, using a Rega Ania MC (100 Ω ; 700 pF). The recommendation, from what I´ve understood, is not to go below 0.4 - 0.5 MV, but I don´t hear any sonic disadvantages when doing so, I rather think it sounds better (which of course might be due to the increased gain). Can anyone please explain if there is any disadvantage to be expected from lowering the level? 

Regards,

Mikael

[thumb5]

As far as I know, the only disadvantage in lowering the max. level, which increases the gain of the phone stage, is that the phono input might start to clip when you play an LP with a high modulation (that is, loud music). You can keep an eye on the signal level indicator in the display which should change colour when the input is driven towards clipping. Of course, if it's badly clipped you'll probably hear it too!

[mikdahl]

Thanks, pretty much as I thought then. Hopefully that won´t happen, but then I´ll know what to do. On my former two preamps I had the option to set the gain, so that I could even out the difference between phono and line/ streaming, which was convenient...