Vinyl Asylum Welcome Licorice Pizza (LP) lovers! Setup guides and Vinyl FAQ.

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Vinyl Asylum ]

---

[ Alert Moderator ]

---

RE: Not according to VPI

Posted by tketcham (A) on December 30, 2022 at 06:31:25

In Reply to: Can VPI Nomad 1 built in phono stage be bi-passed? posted by g_greenamyer@yahoo.com on December 26, 2022 at 16:51:35:

According to VPI, the phono stage on the Nomad 1 cannot be disengaged. It can be done on the Nomad 2 but it's a bit of a hassle and apparently it disengages the ground on the tonearm as well.

So it looks like you're stuck between a rock and another rock. If you're thinking of having someone modify your Nomad to bypass the phono stage I'd first think about selling it and getting another turntable. If you can get a high output MM cartridge for a really good price, that's an option, but I think in the long run you'd be better off with a more versatile turntable to use with your Grado and A3.2 combination and for any future upgrades.

It's frustrating, but you're not the only one to find out that vinyl playback devices don't always play well together can have some quirky interactions. The Grado 4.0mV output and Nomad 35dB gain combination [4.0mV x 56 (35dB gain) = 225mV] isn't all that bad paired with your MF A3.2's line-in sensitivity of 250mV. The problem is more about the difference in volume levels between the vinyl setup and your CD player.

For now, as Stephen suggests, the least expensive option is to get a pair of 20 dB attenuators to put in-line with your CD player to get the loudness difference to a reasonable level. I've purchased and used Rothwell attenuators and find they work really well. You can get Harrison Labs attenuators in the USA for less money but the highest attenuation they offer is 12 dB, which probably won't make enough of a difference in your situation. At least that's what I've found with something similar. But even a 12dB attenuation would help for sure.

Here's a link to Rothwell's web site in case you're interested.

• Rothwell Audio 20dB in-line attenuators   (Open in New Window)

Edits: 12/30/22 12/31/22

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Sonic Craft

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---