Page 1 of 1
Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 4:01 pm
by Hi-Fi-Mogul
I know from experience that for many AM/FM/Phono stereos
and hi-fi's, that the output volume of the radio may be
quite a bit louder than the phono.
Is this due to the radio signals having a higher voltage
input to the amp than the phono cartridge ?
I never asked anyone that question.
Thanks !
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 10:35 pm
by hermitcrab
I have no idea , but I always assumed the radio has more amplification stages before going to the amplifier , compared to a .5 volt cartridge going into a single preamp...
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 12:22 am
by electra225
In a Magnavox, the tuner and the phono have the same amplification. The exception is Concert Grand. The phono has its own amplifier. There is also a phono balance control. My experience has been, under general conditions, that the cartridge tends to age, so its output is not what it was when the instrument was new. I consider this a part of its personality.
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 10:44 am
by walyfd
Cartridge has a lot to do with it. Moving coil is extremely low output. That RCA 6HF1 I had came with the ESL Concert MC cartridge standard and a transistorized preamp. Those cartridges are like hens teeth and cost a fortune so, when I put a Stanton magnetic in it, it was horrible... loud, distorted...
The Fishers have level sets to balance the phono with the radio. I have both set so that switching between functions, the volume is the same. When I went from a Pickering to a Shure cartridge on the 500B, I had to turn the controls down a touch.
I never used a ceramic cartridge.
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:25 pm
by hermitcrab
walyfd wrote: ↑Sat Aug 28, 2021 10:44 am
Cartridge has a lot to do with it. Moving coil is extremely low output. That RCA 6HF1 I had came with the ESL Concert MC cartridge standard and a transistorized preamp. Those cartridges are like hens teeth and cost a fortune so, when I put a Stanton magnetic in it, it was horrible... loud, distorted...
The Fishers have level sets to balance the phono with the radio. I have both set so that switching between functions, the volume is the same. When I went from a Pickering to a Shure cartridge on the 500B, I had to turn the controls down a touch.
I never used a ceramic cartridge.
You are correct cartridges do age and wear out... I just recently had to replace the original cart out of my astrosonic imperial ... they are made of unobtainium ... so I went with Gary@VM Tetrad kit replacement... I was astounded by the difference I was missing all these years... the separation and the increase in clarity was amazing .. also the bass is much more pronounced ...
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 8:56 pm
by Firedome
What type of carts did the better models of Magnificent tube and Astrosonic SS Magnavox use?
My '71 SS Maggie is missing everything except the recv'r chassis!
Re: Radio Volume vs Phono Volume
Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2021 10:36 pm
by electra225
The tube Magnavoxes I have use an Electro-Voice model 26 cartridge, four each, one has a Euphonics U-1, one has an Electro-Voice 132. The EV 26 may arguably be the best stereo ceramic cartridge ever built. I'd put one up against some magnetics. The EV 132 is a direct descendent of the 26. I believe the early Astro-Sonics had the 132 as well, but I don't know how late it ran.