linto clipped/ resolder?

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-01 15:32

so my dealer clipped my linto way back when he installed my akiva (long story..although the red light never came one the linto) im wondering what, if any impact there would be if i were to make that connection once again by soldering the "clipped" area. will this increase gain/output/volume? system currently sounds good...just curious if im maybe missing something by having the linto clipped. hope this makes sense

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2009-04-01 16:25

Re-soldering the links will increase the gain by 10dB. Whether this has any musical benefit I can't say as I have never compared the two gains. I have never seen the need to reduce the gain with the Akiva as it works fine at the standard setting. Only one customer has ever seen the LED turn red with the Akiva/Linto and it was only briefly on one heavily modulated record. He did not hear any distortion on that passage so we left his Linto alone.

Of course, what you really need to do is explain to your wife that the dealer ruined your Linto and it will need to be replaced by a Radikal/Urika. :D

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-01 16:48

wish i could sell her on that Thomas...
I know you havent compared the two gains..but, logically, what would the impact be, just that it plays louder?

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2009-04-01 17:31

My expectation is that it would just be 10dB louder so you wouldn't have to turn the preamp up as much to reach the same level. Of course, this in itself could have some small sonic consequence.

The loading is the same for either gain so I don't THINK there would be any other difference but I can't be sure if this is the case.

Post by **lejonklou** » 2009-04-01 17:53

Gain can be a really important parameter in such a sensitive circuit as the Linto.

Therefore I expect the change to bring a clear improvement. Do it!

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-01 18:09

ok...ill do it...any suggestions/warnings which solder to use to make that connection? ive solder befoe...just wondering if there is anything "unique" about this situation

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-01 19:56

already done...WOW!!!!!!!
what the ??? i could kick myself... but what an improvement...not just over db...but more volume, pressure, way way way more bass...unreal...shame i didnt do this a long time ago...may have saved me a few upgrades...

Post by **lejonklou** » 2009-04-02 00:46

Nice to hear you are so happy! :D

Changing the gain in the Linto by 10 dB is more than just a gain issue, as the Linto is no volume control. The stages in a phono preamp have fixed gains determined by negative feedback, so what you've just done is change the amount of negative feedback. This should make a big difference and if the Linto was optimised for the normal gain setting, it really ought to be the better setting.

Thanks for letting us know this was the case. I have personally never tried the lower gain setting.

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-02 01:10

to describe the improvement...its as if there was a bottleneck, like when you bend a garden hose, everything is still coming out, just not how it should...my amp is actually running cooler and music is louder (fan used to come on a good bit on the KCT...not anymore), but all around bigger...my room is quite large...ive recently moved..its about 18'x 27 with 8 foot ceilings...ive lowered sub setting to lowest crossover, and i can "feel" passages that i never could before...the 242s are really shining here...anyone looking for an akurate 221?

Lego · Post by **Lego** » 2009-04-02 16:54

Hey Bonzo did it not sound worse when your dealer initially clipped ..what's the long story?The same thing happened to me I must admit it was me panicking 'cause the red lights were flashing with my Arkiv2 he clipped it and it was' no way solder it back please'

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2009-04-02 17:14

Notice how I always get in trouble when I say I THINK something is this way or that. :( Just goes to show you have to listen to the changes to know what effect they really have.

Post by **lejonklou** » 2009-04-02 17:48

:lol:

On the other hand, Thomas, you more often know things than THINK them.

Not surprising, as very few actually try things to the extent that you do.

ThomasOK · Post by **ThomasOK** » 2009-04-02 22:51

Gee thanks, Fredrik. :oops:

(I figured this might be my only opportunity to use a blushing emoticon.)

bonzo · Post by **bonzo** » 2009-04-03 23:43

lego,
the dealer was replacing a dynavector karat 17d with an akiva, an upon first listen...it didnt sound right...very bright...harsh..but no red light, nor did he mention the red light needing to be on to indicate a load issue. he stated that adjusting this gain would do the trick...in my enthusiasm i went with it..and never really questioned it until recently..but boy what a difference!