# Anyone using a Nuwave Phono converter with a low output (.5 mv) cartridge? **URL:** \ **Category:** Everything Else\ **Created:** [November 4, 2018, 5:21am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629 "2018-11-04T05:21:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8491ac/32.png) [@RJ](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RJ)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 5:21am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/1 "2018-11-04T05:21:06Z")
I am gettIng close to replacing my phono cartridge. The existing one is a moving magnet with 5 mv of output. The NPC is very quiet with this cartridge. Is anyone using a low output (.5 mv or so) cartridge with the NPC? If so, do you find it quiet or is there noticeable hiss, noise, or hum? Thanks, Bob ---
**Author:** ![PLCOMP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ebca7d/32.png) [@PLCOMP](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/PLCOMP)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 1:45pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/2 "2018-11-04T13:45:08Z")
Bob, I’m not using one myself. However, a few years ago I’ve heard of somebody who used it with a very low voltage moving coil, and he returned the unit due to hiss, which he thought was excessive. It may be that he expected too much I don’t know. Is there no way to try the cartridge before you buy? ---
**Author:** ![Peanut\_Butter](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/peanut_butter/32/13_2.png) [@Peanut\_Butter](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Peanut_Butter)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 2:30pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/3 "2018-11-04T14:30:55Z")
I use a Lyra Titan with my NPC and am very happy. It is only 0.5mV and I don’t notice any issues. Tuning the settings on the NPC is the key. ---
**Author:** ![PLCOMP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ebca7d/32.png) [@PLCOMP](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/PLCOMP)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 2:44pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/4 "2018-11-04T14:44:37Z")
My apology, Bob / PB - I now recall, it happened with a GCPH, which I think was the forerunner of the NPC. The NPC is likely fine in this regard, sorry! ---
**Author:** ![RJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8491ac/32.png) [@RJ](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/RJ)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 4:22pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/5 "2018-11-04T16:22:44Z")
I am considering the Hana SL. It has gotten several good reviews, most recently in Stereophile. I’d expect that most online sellers would allow returns, though cartridges may be a special case. Will have to see. I couldn’t be happier with the NPC. I actually use its digital output as input to my processor, as I think it has slightly better sound in my system. My existing cartridge is an Ortofon Bronze 2m, which sounds very good, but like many audiophiles, I want to see if I can do better. Thanks all for your input. Regards, Bob ---
**Author:** ![pmotz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forum.psaudio.com/pmotz/32/269612_2.png) [@pmotz](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/pmotz)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2018, 5:12pm UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/anyone-using-a-nuwave-phono-converter-with-a-low-output-5-mv-cartridge/7629/6 "2018-11-04T17:12:43Z")
I’ve used a Shelter 901 which is 0.5 mV and it sounded fine with the NPC. I was using the DSD output to my DS, at the time I did not have a preamp, so can’t confirm noise levels with the analog output. I have since gotten a BHK preamp, but, alas, have not spun any records in over a year.