RE: First impressions and DIP switch clarification

Posted by tketcham (A) on February 6, 2024 at 13:30:19

In Reply to: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp posted by tketcham on January 28, 2024 at 07:31:49:

Well, I installed the Piccolo Zero and gave it a spin so to speak. First impressions using it with an Audio-Technica ART9 cartridge? Not sure what to think yet. Part of the problem is that I was trying to reduce the gain of the Zero and instead it seemed to be getting louder (and harsh). Turns out the labeling on the DIP switch module is a bit nonconventional in that up is OFF and down is ON in reference to the switch numbers. I was inadvertently increasing gain and probably pushing the input sensitivity of the phono preamp and perhaps even the preamp.

Note: I emailed Jim Hagerman and he replied that yes, the switch settings are kind of backwards but there's a small arrow that points towards the ON (closed) position.

Once I got the Zero's gain set to a more reasonable level, 0dB (83uV/uA) feeding a phono preamp with 41.5dB gain and 47K resistance, the sound improved greatly. For reference, the ART9 has 0.3mV output with 12 Ohms internal impedance. The result was quite a lively and energetic sound. Compared to running the ART9 straight into the phono preamp with 61.5dB gain and 300 Ohms resistance there was a 2-3dB increase in output using the Zero. That's based on the input levels used for digital recording to keep the signal from clipping.

I played a few LPs that I'd recently recorded and tried to compare the digital playback with the spinning LP but because the output levels were 2-3dB different I couldn't easily level match and make quick comparisons. At times the differences were not all that noticeable but other times the Zero seemed to bring out a liveliness and additional definition that wasn't there otherwise. Bass frequencies seemed to be fairly similar but I haven't had sufficient time listening to really say what differences I was hearing.

Now that I have the gain problem worked out I can hear some potential benefits using the Piccolo Zero with the ART9, especially with simple recordings of vocals and guitar work (Steve Earle "Townes-The Basics"). With more energetic recordings (Omar & The Howlers, early Kinks) the verdict is still out. So I'm going to do some more listening and try to compare what I'm hearing with the Zero to LP recordings I've done with the ART9 running straight into the phono preamp.

This has been a fun experiment so far...

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

Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 07:31:49 01/28/24 (33)

RE: It was worth a try... - tketcham 14:13:40 02/07/24 (1)

RE: Interesting mistake in loading... - tketcham 09:07:45 02/09/24 (0)

RE: First impressions and DIP switch clarification - tketcham 13:30:19 02/06/24 (1)

Thanks for the tip on the DIPs - Jeff Maxson 13:52:38 02/06/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - mulveling 07:21:54 02/01/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 17:11:24 02/01/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 15:20:04 01/29/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 17:37:16 01/29/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - beach cruiser 14:45:27 01/29/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 15:14:36 01/29/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - dave slagle 06:28:59 01/29/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 08:56:42 01/29/24 (0)

RE: Specific mention of the ART7 - tketcham 16:16:42 01/28/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - dave slagle 11:23:45 01/28/24 (19)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - Tre' 22:21:44 01/28/24 (15)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - dave slagle 06:19:18 01/29/24 (14)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - Tre' 07:18:42 01/30/24 (13)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 14:34:46 01/30/24 (5)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - Tre' 20:12:12 01/30/24 (4)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - dave slagle 05:54:51 01/31/24 (1)

Thanks. The subject is more complicated than I thought. nt - Tre' 13:01:35 01/31/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 00:01:42 01/31/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - dave slagle 06:03:43 01/31/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 09:50:43 01/30/24 (6)

That will be very interesting. I hope.... - Tre' 10:38:32 01/30/24 (5)

RE: That will be very interesting. I hope.... - tketcham 12:48:17 01/30/24 (4)

Thoughts about tonearm/cartridge resonance - 13th Duke of Wymbourne 14:37:18 01/30/24 (1)

RE: Thoughts about tonearm/cartridge resonance - tketcham 04:12:53 01/31/24 (0)

RE: That will be very interesting. I hope.... - Tre' 13:43:38 01/30/24 (1)

RE: Thanks! /nm/ - tketcham 04:07:29 01/31/24 (0)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 13:41:38 01/28/24 (2)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - John Elison 17:01:05 01/28/24 (1)

RE: Hagerman Piccolo Zero Headamp - tketcham 17:40:30 01/28/24 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: First impressions and DIP switch clarification - tketcham 13:30:19 02/06/24 (1)

Thanks for the tip on the DIPs - Jeff Maxson 13:52:38 02/06/24 (0)

RE: First impressions and DIP switch clarification

Post a Message!