Better than a Parasound Zphono MM/MC preamp??

[BmWr75]

I'm currently running a Parasound Zphono MM/MC preamp between a Pro-Ject RM-5.1 SE turntable and PrimaLuna Dialogue Two integrated tube amp. Is there another MM/MC preamp that outclasses the Zphono and doesn't cost a bunch more money? Would the Cambridge Audio 640P be an upgrade?

 

[Stanton681EEES]

I'm currently running a Parasound Zphono MM/MC preamp between a Pro-Ject RM-5.1 SE turntable and PrimaLuna Dialogue Two integrated tube amp. Is there another MM/MC preamp that outclasses the Zphono and doesn't cost a bunch more money? Would the Cambridge Audio 640P be an upgrade?

here ya go:
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/3_phono_preamps_e.html

 

[cableguy]

I have one of these and think it beats the pants off of the other budget phono pre's....:yes:

http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-V-LPS-Phono-Stage/dp/B001W2IJJO

 

[HypnoToad]

Especially since you can upgrade the 640P later on to even better performance.

 

[Slowhead]

Try looking at it from a different perspective. If you like your Prima Dia II, consider adding the inboard MM phonostage ($200) and be done with it. That is two less connections in the signal chain. You will also be getting a better power source which is an additional upgrade (separate power suppy) on budget outboards that offer it. I'm not a big fan of outboards that offer MM & MC. When a component offers more than one feature (a receiver, for example), compromises have to be made. That said, if your a fan of "ole silver face" and believe there hasn't been any improvements in audio technology in the last 30+ years, then a sub $200 outboard MM/MC will do fine. I have owned a handful of them and one might do one thing a little better than another. But, it's more of a matter of taste in the end. People who respond (and are honestly trying to help) have not heard your gear together in your listening area.
If your determined to go outboard, there are a few I like better than others, but we probably wouldn't reach for the same thing to drink from the refrigerator.

 

[kotofei]

I had a Parasound Z phono stage when I just got back into vinyl. I didn't like it it since its transformer made a strong audible hum when the unit was on.

Didn't have other separated phono stages since then.

If the hum is a design feature of that particular Parasound phono stage, I think you can do better.

 

[ehoove]

An alternative might be the DB Systems DB8 which they will taylor to the output of your cartridge. FWIW

Regards,
Jim

 

[BmWr75]

Try looking at it from a different perspective. If you like your Prima Dia II, consider adding the inboard MM phonostage ($200) and be done with it. That is two less connections in the signal chain. You will also be getting a better power source which is an additional upgrade (separate power suppy) on budget outboards that offer it. I'm not a big fan of outboards that offer MM & MC. When a component offers more than one feature (a receiver, for example), compromises have to be made. That said, if your a fan of "ole silver face" and believe there hasn't been any improvements in audio technology in the last 30+ years, then a sub $200 outboard MM/MC will do fine. I have owned a handful of them and one might do one thing a little better than another. But, it's more of a matter of taste in the end. People who respond (and are honestly trying to help) have not heard your gear together in your listening area.
If your determined to go outboard, there are a few I like better than others, but we probably wouldn't reach for the same thing to drink from the refrigerator.

I checked with Upscale Audio when I first got the PL D2. Kevin said installing the phono pre is a DIY project if you can solder. Thanks for reminding me. Might go that route.