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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> ZP3 / ZMC1,2,3 >> ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
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Message started by jdog on 01/21/18 at 17:59:36

Title: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by jdog on 01/21/18 at 17:59:36

Considering purchase of a ZP3 to go with my SE84UFO, running a Soundsmith SMMC1 cart on a B&O TX2 turntable. The cartridge has a stated output of 2.12 mV. I have already experienced the difference in performance of my amp with an "underpowered" input so am worried the ZP3 may not provide enough gain. Currently using a Hagerman Bugle2 I bought several years ago, which Jim tweaked to work with the B&O moving iron cartridges. I don't think a MC SUT would work either because of diff in input load. Is it possible to use different tubes to boost the signal for these lower-output MI cartridges?

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by mark58 on 01/21/18 at 18:19:36

I don't think a different tube will solve your problem. You need a ZMC...from that page see below... May need to speak to Steve...

PS...on second thought...that is a pretty high output and I looked it up, it is a Moving Iron Cart...I don't know...Steve will :)

http://prntscr.com/i3kett

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by Archie on 01/21/18 at 19:26:04

In my experience, you wont get enough gain out of the ZP3 with that cart. My MM, with more than twice that, really benefited from having a pre after the ZP3. My MC, with a ZMC1, gives me about 5 or 6 times what you would get out of the ZP3.

By my calculations, you get 1/2 volt out of the ZP3 with a 5mV cart. Without a pre, I don't think you can take advantage of full power in any amp that requires more than 1/2 volt, which includes all of the Decware amps.

Anyone, ... please correct me if I have this wrong! :)

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by back2vinyl on 01/21/18 at 20:40:00

how do you know what an amp requires as input…What spec is that under?

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by Lon on 01/21/18 at 20:44:53

I agree. I believe a step up transformer will be necessary.

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by Archie on 01/21/18 at 20:58:41

Steve lists this in the amp specs. Most Decware amps require 2 volts for full power although one or more requires higher voltage.

From the SE84UFO page:
Quote:

Input voltage 2.0 volts for full output

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by NormD on 06/05/18 at 03:24:34

Jdog:

Did you get the ZP3 to go with your moving iron cartridge? I have The Voice cartridge which also outputs 2.12mV. I am running it with a Manley
Chinook which has 45db gain, which is close to the 43db gain of the ZP3. Aim running into my ZTPre and I have plenty of volume. I expect my new ZP3 in a few weeeks so I will report back. I am also upgrading my ZSTAGE and I’ll try that as well to boost the ZP3 signal.

Title: Re: ZP3 good with Moving Iron Cartridges
Post by NormD on 06/23/18 at 03:33:28

I am now running a SounsSmith 2.12V moving iron cartridge (The Voice) through my ZP3, ZTPre and ZMA with acceptable volume. Both my preamp and power amp are running at 3/4 volume and it fills my room nicely. The sound is awesome with strong bass, crisp and clear highs and a wonderful midrange. I will be selling my Manley Chinook phono amp. I also have a ZSTAGE arriving Monday to add gain, but I don’t really need it. I am not using a ZMC.