Phono Preamp Gain & Cartridge Loading Calculator
Phono Gain & Loading Equations
Required phono gain is GdB = 20 × log10(Vtarget ÷ Vcartridge). Standard Moving Magnet (MM) cartridges (3.5–5.5 mV) require 38–42 dB gain into 47 kΩ with 100–200 pF total capacitance. Low-output Moving Coil (MC) cartridges (0.2–0.6 mV) require 58–66 dB gain and a resistive load of 10× to 20× internal coil impedance.
38 dB Phono Gain • 47 kΩ Load Resistance • 50–100 pF Preamp Switch
5.50 mV cartridge output amplified to 0.44 Vrms line level with 55 mV (+20 dB) groove peak headroom
38 dB
Ideal Phono Gain
47 kΩ
Target Load Resistance
50–100 pF
Preamp Cap Setting
0.44 V
Output @ 5 cm/sec
55 mV
Min +20 dB Input Overload
Direct MM
Step-Up (SUT) Option
Phono Stage Gain Ladder & Output Voltage Comparison
| Phono Stage Gain | Voltage Multiplier | Nominal Output (5 cm/s) | +20 dB Peak Output | Match Assessment |
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