Robd2, the KAB gain calculator addresses only the gain provided by the phono stage. Also, it can be very important to note the following statement that is provided in its introductory text:
So take the results provided by this calculator with several grains of salt, and throw in some additional db as well :-)
Regards,
-- Al
The optimum gain is based on acheiving [sic] 325mV rms output at 5 cm/s. For the current crop of CD recorders, 300mV is required for 0dB recording level with the recorder’s level control set at max. Aiming for 325mV gives a little margin.So the calculator will not necessarily provide valid results in a situation where the phono stage is driving a line stage preamp which in turn is driving a power amp. For example, a reasonable line stage gain of say 10 db would boost that 325 mv to about 1 volt if the volume control is set at max. More often than not, 1 volt will not be enough to drive a power amp to full power. And that's with the volume control at max! And of course there are many line stages which provide less than 10 db of gain.
So take the results provided by this calculator with several grains of salt, and throw in some additional db as well :-)
Regards,
-- Al