Eros 2 Phono MC or MM

[hpleung]

Hi,

Can the Eros 2 Phono stage be used with MC cartridge? It says it can be used with high output MC cartridge - but I don't know what high output means. For example, will it work with Denon MC-103 cartridge?

Thanks.

[Doc B.]

Presumably you mean a Denon DL-103. The nominal output level of that low output MC is about .3mV (a high output MC is typically around 1-2.5 mV). That tells us you need about a 1:10 to 1:20 step up ratio to feed the input of the Eros, which is looking for around 2.5 to 7 mV. That can be done by adding user supplied step up transformers to the holes provided in the chassis. A Sowter 1990 is a good choice. More info at the link -

https://forum.bottlehead.com/index.php?topic=11097.0

[joralieu]

I have a similar question, I am using a Denon DL-S1 the spec sheet says .18 mv. Will that work with the Eros2?

[Paul Birkeland]

The signal going into the Eros should be over 2mV at the barest of minimums.  A 0.18mV cart is ultra low output, so a 1:30 or a 1:20 step-up is necessary.  For the S1 in particular, I would use the 1:30 Sowter and change the loading resistor from 47K to 150K.

Some of the Denon MC carts are a little strange in that they will have both low output and a higher than expected recommended loading impedance, so some tweaking is often in order to get these to sound their best.