Confused by gain setting on Nuwave Phono

Audio Components
1

I upgraded from U-Turn Pluto to a Nuwave Phono preamp. The pluto preamp has a fixed gain of 36 dB, however, when I set the same gain on Nuwave Phono the volume is much lower - I would expect it to be the same, is that an incorrect assumption?

I also set the input impedance to 47 kΩ to match the pluto.

Parameters of Pluto:

  • Input impedance: 47 kΩ
  • Input capacitance: 100 pF
  • Gain: 36 dB @ 1 kHz
  • THD: < 0.005% (A-weighted)
  • S/N ratio: -90 dBA
  • RIAA accuracy: +/- 0.5 dB (20Hz-20kHz)
  • Crosstalk: -80 dB (20Hz-20kHz)
  • Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.6 x 3.6"
  • Weight: 0.9 lb

I am using the unbalanced output on the preamp (not the balanced one).

2

Depends what you have the NPC gain set to. It ranges from 18-78dB of gain and is variable through the front panel display. Sounds like you’re set as far as the impedance setting goes.

3

On NPC I have the gain set to 36dB (same as the old preamp). That is why I am confused. If the setting is the same, shouldn’t the output volume be the same? All other parameters (cables, …) are the same.

It is a very significant difference in volume, the NPC is much quieter and I have to turn up the volume on my preamp.

4

Yeah, not terribly sure why the gain would be that much different. What do you have to increase it to in order to get the same levels?

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5

I can get to about the same level with 51 dB of gain.

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6

That seems like more than I would expect. Do you mind giving our service guys a call and see if they can help? 1-800-psaudio

7

Thank you, I will do that.

8

Is it possible the Pluto might not be delivering the advertised gain? I don’t know U-Turn That well, but that’s a fairly entry-level phono stage, isn’t it?

9

Just turn up the gain🤘🏻

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10

Is it possible the Pluto might not be delivering the advertised gain? I don’t know U-Turn That well, but that’s a fairly entry-level phono stage, isn’t it?

Yeah, that is possible. I also have ART DJ PRE II, I will test that one too and compare the results.

11

I think your Nuwave Phono is just fine. Why? Because I have the same issue with my Nuwave phono. And even Michael Fremer mentioned that exact behavior in his review on Alalog Planet.

Link to his review.

Quote of his comment:
“I am trying to have the numbers in parentheses next to each dB gain setting explained because they don’t correlate to my experience with gain versus cartridge output. For instance, in the photo used for this story you can see next to 54dB gain (3.5mV). A cartridge with that high an output would need about 39dB of gain not 54dB. 54dB would be more appropriate for a low output MC cartridge outputting about .5mV. This review will be updated when we get clarification.”

12

I had a similar issue. set the gain for 3.5v for my goldring E3 but the gain is too high and it’s clipping.
Have reduced it to 14mv - 42db. It has cleaned up the vocals. I’m using xlr out