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rhea better with high or low output MC?

Hi all,
I've heard that the Rhea is a beautiful sounding phono stage with the largest reservation relating to noise. I'm wondering whether the noise is accentuated due to gain and whether there is any improvement when used with a high output MC as opposed to a low output one. I'm considering a rhea / benz ebony H or Benz ebony L (or alternate cartridge) on a rega p9 combo with a tube pre.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Thanks
fmj
fmj
thsalmon
348 posts
 
I love my Rhea, and have used it without any noise problems with 0.2 mV low output coils. I think the "noise" problem with the Rhea happens when you try to roll the tubes. The Rhea runs them pretty hard, and it is best to stay with the stock tubes. Mine is dead quiet with the maximal gain settings. I've found the Rhea to work very well with the ARC Ref 3.
starcon
98 posts
 
i have used my rhea with super low and medium low output cart. my current is a shelter 7000 the super lows ie dynavector karat etc. are a little noisy but the sound is great. You only really hear the super low noise between tracks. does not benz make the ebony in a medium low? Love the rhea- and I love the shelter its my fave so far through my cartridge journey!
viiu
34 posts
 
The Rhea isn't inherently noisy but it does require quality quiet tubes to show off. The factory supplied Sovek 12AXLPS are not a bad tube. They test them by ear at the factory.

With a low output cartridge the tubes will need to be better quality in V1 & V2 than with a high output where V3 will likely be providing the most gain. The low outputs are sweeter with the right tubes.
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