Cambridge Audio 640P question

burmashave

burmashave

Super Member
I have a CA 640P. I'm considering a Denon 103R which has a low output of .25 mv. Will the CA support that? Anybody using a lomc with a CA 640P? Would like your input before I make the plunge. BTW, this is for a VPI Scout that I have been using a Shure V15 III and an Ed Saunders stylus. Sounds great. But I want to experience the lomc, and the Denon, according to the reviews is a tremendous bang for the buck.
 
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Although I haven't tried it, I would say the output of the Denon cartridge is a little low for the 640P. The sensitivty for the 640P is listed as 0.5 mV here:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA640P SIL

It would still work. It just might require turning up the volume a little, which could produce a little more background noise. Assuming no one here has first-hand bad experience with it, I'd try it.
 
55 dB of gain is maybe a tiny bit low for a cart of 0.25 mV output, but it should work as Bob says. You'll just need to turn up the volume a little more than you normally would. If you get a little hum, then you may want to consider a phono pre with 59-60 db of gain somewhere down the road. But if you system has thus far been quiet, you should be okay.
 
I use a Denon DL 103 with my 640P. It's a great combination. I don't know if the "R" version of the DL 103 has lower output but the 640 P gain with the standard DL 103 is just fine.
 
ejman said:
I use a Denon DL 103 with my 640P. It's a great combination. I don't know if the "R" version of the DL 103 has lower output but the 640 P gain with the standard DL 103 is just fine.
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the output on the 103 is .3mv and on the 103R it's .25mv. That is encouraging. What table do you have?
 
burmashave said:
the output on the 103 is .3mv and on the 103R it's .25mv. That is encouraging. What table do you have?
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Rega P3. I might add that I bought the 640P because I wanted to try a low output MC to hear for myself what all the hoopla about low output MC's was about. Have not been disappointed - the sound is great through my Vintage Marantz and Magneplanars
 
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I think your gain is a little too low. I used to use a .95 Benz Glider with 58 dB of gain, and it was just adequate.

You will get sound, but if your phono stage is straining with the signal, it will be lacking in dynamic punch.

I would recommend a cartridge that puts out in the .8-1.2 range.
 
I have no problem with dynamics in my system (my other turntable set up for comparison is a Lenco L75 with an AT 440 mla) . The Denon is just as dynamic although of course, the volume instead of being at 10-11 as it is with the AT will be at 11-12 but really no big deal as there is no more noise with my system. In any event, the risk of trying the 640 P is pretty minimal. A lot of vendors (AA for one) will allow a 30 day trial and return at no cost other than shipping if not happy.
 
Since the 103 is not quite optimal for your set up, why not try a Denon DL-110(high voltage output MC)d? I can assure you, it's a superb cartridge in every way, if your preference is high accuracy (with perhaps a bias for subtle warmth added). I now use a 110 on my Clearaudio built Marantz TT-15S1(very comparable in quality/performance to the VPI Scout - in fact my two main contenders in the end to purchase were between the Marantz and the Scout), and I could not be happier with the results.

-Chris
 
Since the Denon high-output MC cartridge is designed for the same loading as MM cartridges, it would seem that's the input to which you would need to connect a turntable with such a cartridge. In that case, you'd have about the same shortage of output as in the low-output MC scenario.
 
I have an OC9 rated at 0.3 and 55db wasn't enough to get proper volume. You'd probaly need at least 65 or a bit higher. I run that OC9 at 69db
 
after speaking with advisors at MusicDirect, and Audio Advisor, I pulled the trigger on the 103R. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thanks for all the input.
 
I have the 640P and the Denon 103R ( replacing the Denon DL-160 ). The 103R is a pretty big improvement over the 160 - not subtle at all. Using either the 103R or the 160 with the 640P is a HUGE ( and I emphasize the HUGE ) improvement over going direct into the PHONO input of my McIntosh C-39. There is PLENTY of dynamics, volume, soundstage, and absolutely no noise. The 640P is a SUPERB MC preamp, and it works even better with the 103R. Get it, mate it with the 103R. Forget what anyone has told you. It will sing beautifully. Speaking from 1st hand experience I can guarantee it.
 
I have a Denon DL-103 with VPI Scout and the 640P. It works quite well with CJ amp/pre and ADS 1530/1290 speakers. Perhaps not the last phono I will own but I am not complaining at all.
Good luck with your purchase!
 
the cartridge came. Setup was a snap. The sonics are marevelous and the 640P has plenty of gain for this cart. Totally thrilled with the sound. I thought the Shure V15 III was great, and it is. It's not even in the same league with the Denon.
 
Would the 640P be a good match for a Benz Micro Ace? The cart is rated at 0.4 mV, whereas the 640P has a sensitivity for nominal output at 3.35 mV . My first guess is that it won't be a good match, but would like to ask more expert people.
 
burmashave said:
the cartridge came. Setup was a snap. The sonics are marevelous and the 640P has plenty of gain for this cart. Totally thrilled with the sound. I thought the Shure V15 III was great, and it is. It's not even in the same league with the Denon.
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I'm happy to hear it worked out well. I was pretty sure it would since my DL 103 is so close to the output in the R version.

It's kind of interesting that of the replies on this tread all of the naysayers did not actually have the 640P/DL 103 combo and were objecting on theoretical grounds. All of the responders that actually do have the combo were very enthusiastic in their praise. Confirms my belief that when it comes to audio the synergies are such that you don't really know how something will sound unless you actually try it. (unless there is an obvious mismatch i.e. running a low output MC into an MM input)
 
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