Ortofon MCA-76 LOMC Compatibility

[BigBogner]

Good morning friends,

Last week, I purchased a Rotel RP900 with a beautiful Sumiko Talisman S cartridge. Since my SX-880 lacks a MC phono input, and I rather like my Pioneer’s phono stage, I decided the best move would be a step-up transformer or head amp device to increase my cartridges output.

My research led me to a few different options, but I ultimately settled on a mint Ortofon MCA-76 that will be arriving today via my OfferUp order.

Now my question is, with the MCA-76 being intended for usage with the mega low output MC20 (.07mv) and my Sumiko cartridge being nearly 4x that (.24mv), will this cause issues or will I simply have to keep a closer eye on my volume control to make sure I’m not blasting the speakers? Essentially, I don’t want to overload anything. The MCA manual states that it’s intended for use with LOMC but doesn’t state what a maximum output would be. According to tonepublications article, they tested it with a .2mv and .3mv cartridge with positive results but recommended staying away from higher output MC carts.

I’m assuming as long as I stay under ~.4mv I should be ok, but as a total noob to the world of MC carts, would anyone be able to provide some insight?

Speakers are Ohm G2’s if that matters at all.


Thanks in advance!

 

[HalfApt]

I suspect it will be too much gain, but more knowledgeable others may advise better.

The MCA-76 voltage gain is 50 (34dB). 0.24mV in will produce 12 mV out, much higher than the typical phono input sensitivity. Does the SX-880 specify maximum phono input?

The SX-880 phono is rated at 2.5mV input sensitivity (presumably for full rated output), so it would be getting almost 5x what it needs. Even if it can handle the overload, you won't have much volume control range.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Just watch the volume. It will be on the high side with the extra gain. Won't overload anything as the MCA should handle more than you give it. You will be well below a good phono input level out of the MCA. Phono inputs overload at over 100mVs for the 12 you give it from the MCA won't cause issues other than watch that volume control.

The MCA-76 has 34±0.5dB gain, max input level is 6mV for those wanting to calculate along...

 

[BigBogner]

I suspect it will be too much gain, but more knowledgeable others may advise better.

The MCA-76 voltage gain is 50 (34dB). 0.24mV in will produce 12 mV out, much higher than the typical phono input sensitivity. Does the SX-880 specify maximum phono input?

The SX-880 phono is rated at 2.5mV input sensitivity (presumably for full rated output), so it would be getting almost 5x what it needs. Even if it can handle the overload, you won't have much volume control range.

According to the service manual, the Phono overload isn’t until 200mv, so it seems like it will be okay.

 

[BigBogner]

Just watch the volume. It will be on the high side with the extra gain. Won't overload anything as the MCA should handle more than you give it. You will be well below a good phono input level out of the MCA. Phono inputs overload at over 100mVs for the 12 you give it from the MCA won't cause issues other than watch that volume control.

The MCA-76 has 34±0.5dB gain, max input level is 6mV for those wanting to calculate along...

This is great news! Was starting to get concerned that I purchased something that wasn’t applicable to my setup. Can’t wait to use the Talisman in its intended manor.

 

[toby7362]

@BigBogner how is your setup working out? I too have a MC-20 and need to find a SUT preamp, or something because the MC-20 output is so low. So I need an Mca-76, or the transducer from Ortofon. But they are all hard to find. At a decent price.