My HK 3490 and Stanton 680 EL Cartridge

mulluysavage · 20th October 2010, 03:08 PM

I've been handed an Technics SL-1200MK2(!) with a 2-pack of Stanton 680 ELs.

When I hook it up to my phono input on my HK 3490, it sounds low.

The manual says to use only MM cartridges, that a pre-amp is required for MC cartridges.

Apparently, the 680 EL is a Decca or moving iron cartridge.

I realize that I can just buy an MM cartridge, but I want to understand better. What about my 680ELs? Would you recommend a pre-amp? Are they more like MMs or MCs?

Netlist · 20th October 2010, 04:26 PM

I can't find the specs for the EL 's' cartridge. In fact, I can't find the 's' type at all.
It could be me of course, but try to find out what output it gives you in mV and find out what input sensitivity your preamp has.
As far as I know the 680 series are all MM. Any phono MM stage should be able to make it sing.

/Hugo

mulluysavage · 20th October 2010, 05:20 PM

Sorry for the confusion - the "s" was meant to pluralize. There are 2 680 EL cartridges.

From Vinyl Engine - 5.5 mV. Does this match an MM phono amp specification?

mulluysavage · 20th October 2010, 05:27 PM

The HK 3490 manual says that the input sensitivity/Impedance Linear(High Level) is 200mv/46kohms.

There is no other input sensitivity mentioned. This doesn't seem like it's the sensitivity of the CD, Video, etc inputs- wouldn't that be at like .5-2V? But "High Level" suggests to me that it's not the phono input either.

mulluysavage · 20th October 2010, 05:45 PM

I guess it could be designed for a ceramic cartridge, which would seem strange to me.

Netlist · 20th October 2010, 06:29 PM

It does match.
The HK is designed for MM and the 680 is definitely MM, so it should work.
It might be the cartridge or the wiring. How does its twin behave?

/Hugo

bgruhn · 20th October 2010, 11:58 PM

Hi,

I have used the 680 cartridge for years prior to getting an Ortofon OM40. The Stanton is a fine sounding cartridge and will easily drive any MM input stage. Good luck with it.

BillG

20th October 2010, 03:08 PM	#1
mulluysavage diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2010	My HK 3490 and Stanton 680 EL Cartridge I've been handed an Technics SL-1200MK2(!) with a 2-pack of Stanton 680 ELs. When I hook it up to my phono input on my HK 3490, it sounds low. The manual says to use only MM cartridges, that a pre-amp is required for MC cartridges. Apparently, the 680 EL is a Decca or moving iron cartridge. I realize that I can just buy an MM cartridge, but I want to understand better. What about my 680ELs? Would you recommend a pre-amp? Are they more like MMs or MCs?

20th October 2010, 11:58 PM	#7
bgruhn diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Medfield, MA, USA	Stanton 680 Hi, I have used the 680 cartridge for years prior to getting an Ortofon OM40. The Stanton is a fine sounding cartridge and will easily drive any MM input stage. Good luck with it. BillG

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20th October 2010, 04:26 PM	#2
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003	I can't find the specs for the EL 's' cartridge. In fact, I can't find the 's' type at all. It could be me of course, but try to find out what output it gives you in mV and find out what input sensitivity your preamp has. As far as I know the 680 series are all MM. Any phono MM stage should be able to make it sing. /Hugo

20th October 2010, 05:20 PM	#3
mulluysavage diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2010	Sorry for the confusion - the "s" was meant to pluralize. There are 2 680 EL cartridges. From Vinyl Engine - 5.5 mV. Does this match an MM phono amp specification?

20th October 2010, 05:27 PM	#4
mulluysavage diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2010	The HK 3490 manual says that the input sensitivity/Impedance Linear(High Level) is 200mv/46kohms. There is no other input sensitivity mentioned. This doesn't seem like it's the sensitivity of the CD, Video, etc inputs- wouldn't that be at like .5-2V? But "High Level" suggests to me that it's not the phono input either.

20th October 2010, 05:45 PM	#5
mulluysavage diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2010	I guess it could be designed for a ceramic cartridge, which would seem strange to me.

20th October 2010, 06:29 PM	#6
Netlist diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003	It does match. The HK is designed for MM and the 680 is definitely MM, so it should work. It might be the cartridge or the wiring. How does its twin behave? /Hugo

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