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Phono preamp gain setting

I am using the Moon LP 5.3 with a Soundsmith SMMC-1 moving iron cartridge with 2.12 mV output. I have to turn the volume up quite high on my linestage to get the right volume. I would like to try a higher gain setting than the recommended 40db for MM cartridges but the LP 5.3 user manual recommends against. Would it be harmful to the LP 5.3 to try the 54db gain with Smmc-1? Also would it be harmful to try a different resistance load other than the recommended 47k?
Thanks
sgunther
tfkaudio
589 posts
 
40 db is too low for that cart. The MC setting may work perfectly.
audiogalore
70 posts
 
Sure if you have a high gain switch that is 54db on the phono pre-amp then this should be your fix!

You are already maxed out on 47k ohms and no need to change resistance loading.

Enjoy music!
audiolui
280 posts
 
You should feel free to try different resistance loading and gain setting. I don't believe it will harm anything. You can also call the manaufacturer just to make sure.
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
WAIT: read: If you are comparing the linestage level if your CD with the Phono level: DO NOT TRY TO COMPARE!
The output level of CD player or DAC is very high, and confuses plenty of folks when they use a Phono section. The phono section is an older standard with only about 1/2 volt output, where all the Cd and DAC output 2 volts.
You phono is doing exactly what it should.
Overloading it is a bad idea. Just accept the real problem is the jerks who started CD way back in 1983 decided to raise the output by a considerable margin, compared to any other outputs in audio equipment.
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