1000 - Q. What is the ideal gain for a phono-stage to get the best out of my 1042 cartridge, is 40dB too much?

1000 - Q. What is the ideal gain for a phono-stage to get the best out of my 1042 cartridge, is 40dB too much?

Answer:

​​The nominal output of the 1042 is 5 mV and an acceptable minimum input level to an amplifier to get full output is around 300 mV therefore, the gain needs to be at least x60 or 35 dB. A gain of 40 dB will therefore be perfect as it will give you 500 mV. This will be more than required to get the amp to clip (commonly about 300 mV) but less than required top overload the input (usually more than 3 V).