My point is that if you "underload" the preamp (load it to 325mV max instead of 500mV max, IF 500mV is its sensitivity) you will get less S/N ratio out of the preamp (less input signal with the same noise floor of the preamp = smaller S/N ratio).
You say that KAB tailors the calculation for their OWN preamps, with 325mV input sensitivity.
This makes perfect sense and only proves my theory that if your preamp has 500mV input sensitivity, thus you should use an outboard phone stage with 66dB gain to raise the output voltage of your cart.
Thus apply the mere definition of dB to get the needed gain to raise your cart output voltage to the sensitivity level of the preamp you'll be using. That's all I'm saying.
There are two variables to use in the formula, the output of the cartridge AND the input sensitivity of the targeted preamp that will receive the output of the outboard phono stage.
You say that KAB tailors the calculation for their OWN preamps, with 325mV input sensitivity.
This makes perfect sense and only proves my theory that if your preamp has 500mV input sensitivity, thus you should use an outboard phone stage with 66dB gain to raise the output voltage of your cart.
Thus apply the mere definition of dB to get the needed gain to raise your cart output voltage to the sensitivity level of the preamp you'll be using. That's all I'm saying.
There are two variables to use in the formula, the output of the cartridge AND the input sensitivity of the targeted preamp that will receive the output of the outboard phono stage.