External phono stage better than YAMAHA A-S2000 phono stage
- Thread starter steppen
- Start date
charles 1973
Super Member
I would try the phono stage in the A-S2000. Honestly I doubt you will get much better for any less than 200 - $300. A decent phono stage isn't expensive to build into an amp unless you want that last 7% or so of perfect SQ. Even stand alone models, Like my $120 MM/MC Tonar-Vinyline (AKA - Project Phono Box) does an excellent job. As the AS-2000 is one of Yamaha's higher end amps, I would expect it too will do a fine job.
The biggest advantage of a separate Phono preamp is it will allow you to move the TT much farther from the amp using the phono preamps RCA output instead of the cartridge. Especially if you are using a low output MC cartridge.
The biggest advantage of a separate Phono preamp is it will allow you to move the TT much farther from the amp using the phono preamps RCA output instead of the cartridge. Especially if you are using a low output MC cartridge.
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charles 1973
Super Member
That's a fine combo. I use a Nagoaka MP 11 cartridge on a vintage Pioneer TT.
Nagoaka cartridge's manage to extract the finest details on old and new LP's while suppressing surface noise. You might try their MP110 or MP200 when you have worn out your Ortofon 2M Blue.
Nagoaka cartridge's manage to extract the finest details on old and new LP's while suppressing surface noise. You might try their MP110 or MP200 when you have worn out your Ortofon 2M Blue.
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Well, at about $700 for a new Vincent, you are moving into a fine tube phono stage. It has a great reputation, but you might only be getting a small improvement, other than changing from Solid State to tube. The A2000 is no slouch, so it will take some coin to better the performance. I guess you are willing to spend the money, if you are looking at a Vincent.
fernarias
Super Member
Yamaha phono pre amps are always very good to excellent and the A-S2000 is excellent. If you want to spend more money then get a better cartridge instead like a Grado Red (same price as your Blue but better performance) or Nagaoka mp110(Nagaoka mp150 for the win). I would also recommend a good vintage turntable that has a better tonearm with more adjustments than the Carbon Debut and better speed control (wow and flutter).
Dr. Ear
Super Member
The A-S2000 phono stage is excellent - as long as the cartridge is a good match. The MC input impedance is fixed and unfortunately rather low (50 Ohms). This might be OK for some Ortofon cartridges. Other carts requiring a load of ≥ 100 Ohms, like the Denon DL301 might sound a bit lifeless. The same applies with MM input capacitance (200pF).
steppen
Member
As a diyer i am thinking in this design,
https://tavishdesign.com/collections/frontpage/products/vintage-6sl7-phono-stage?variant=13692129798
The capacitance and impedance can be adjusted by the user according his cartdrige. Its very well spoken and i can build with no hurry.
https://tavishdesign.com/collections/frontpage/products/vintage-6sl7-phono-stage?variant=13692129798
The capacitance and impedance can be adjusted by the user according his cartdrige. Its very well spoken and i can build with no hurry.
fernarias
Super Member
I wouldn't recommend this since the Yamaha is better. It's your money though.
