22-Dec-2021, 16:57
Expert 120 and vinyl lover here.
While I cannot make comparisons with the phono section of the 200/220, these are my comments:
- the functionality of the phono stage of the 120 is limited to the control of gain. With the higher spec’d models you can also control the loading. This gets relevant with low output MC cartridges
- the MM functionality is spectacular. Zero, absolutely zero noise at well above realistic listening volumes and no distortion
- the MC functionality is disappointing. Apart of the loading control, which you can obviate to using a Y adapter with plug in resistors (which I tried), the noise gets audible at sustained listening volumes (not tragic, but after getting spoiled with the MM performance I got annoyed) and the body gets a bit flimsy. I solved it using a step up transformer and returning to MM gains.
The context of above: upgrade from Sumiko Pearl MM to Hana SL low output MC. Improvement of fine details and high frequencies, loss in presence and appearance of hiss. As said, magic restored with a Denon step up.
In a nutshell, if you are planning to use a quality MM or a high output MC, highly recommended.
With a low output MC you’d likely be unhappy unless you factored in a modest budget increase for a step up.
Hope this helps.
While I cannot make comparisons with the phono section of the 200/220, these are my comments:
- the functionality of the phono stage of the 120 is limited to the control of gain. With the higher spec’d models you can also control the loading. This gets relevant with low output MC cartridges
- the MM functionality is spectacular. Zero, absolutely zero noise at well above realistic listening volumes and no distortion
- the MC functionality is disappointing. Apart of the loading control, which you can obviate to using a Y adapter with plug in resistors (which I tried), the noise gets audible at sustained listening volumes (not tragic, but after getting spoiled with the MM performance I got annoyed) and the body gets a bit flimsy. I solved it using a step up transformer and returning to MM gains.
The context of above: upgrade from Sumiko Pearl MM to Hana SL low output MC. Improvement of fine details and high frequencies, loss in presence and appearance of hiss. As said, magic restored with a Denon step up.
In a nutshell, if you are planning to use a quality MM or a high output MC, highly recommended.
With a low output MC you’d likely be unhappy unless you factored in a modest budget increase for a step up.
Hope this helps.
