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Help matching phono preamp

L

lineside2034

New Member
Long time listener, first time caller...

I have a Rega P1 and am in the process of changing my amp from an NAD 3020 to a Cambridge Audio 640a. Need to purchase a phono preamp - thus my query.

After doing research on both the Rega Fono Mini and the CA 640p here on AK, I was wondering if anyone had an opinion as to which pair of components might match up better - e.g would it make more sense to get the 640p to pair with the amp, or the Fono Mini to the turntable? Let's assume I like them equally on their own.

I am not looking for feedback on the phono preamps themselves, just the idea that matching similar brands to one component over the other might produce some sort of 'sonic synergy'.

So:
A - match the phono preamp to the TT (Fono Mini and P1)
B - match the phono preamp to the amp (640p and 640a)
C - doesn't/shouldn't matter (best of breed approach beats matching)

Thanks in advance for any feedback
 
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kuma. said:
I'd opt for matching a phonoamp to a cartridge.
Click to expand...

Well of course you need to make sure your phono preamp is going to be compatible with the cartridge you're using, as in proper impedance settings, gain, etc. If that's all good, I really think you're better off buying the best you can afford, it seems kind of obvious.
 
Synergy is really hard to have anyone give you any sort of absolute answer.............everyone has there own priorities and sound that pleases them.
 
Mr. Lin said:
If that's all good, I really think you're better off buying the best you can afford, it seems kind of obvious.
Click to expand...

It hasn't been that straight forward with me, tho.
I think that it might depend on the cartridge and personal taste.

The Ortofon MM cart that comes with the P1 is a decent one but it can sound a bit dull, so my preference would be to go with a *boppy* Rega Fono ( altho, I haven't heard the mini ) over the Cambridge.

But if the OP decided to change over to an MC cartridge, P640 would be better as it has both MM and MC.

The OP hasn't said his budget in terms of * best of breed*. ( not sure what he means really )

Either fonos that have been mentioned would have a limitation obviously but I wouldn't go all out on a phonostage before maxing out the table and arm. I do think that the overall balance matters in relation to the table used.
 
We need more info need from op to really offer any sound advice or personal opinions. IMHO
Regards,
Jim
 
I have a Rega P2 with Dynavector 10X4 and when I decided to upgrade the modest Music Hall phono stage I was using at the time, I was fortunate enough to be able to audition a few different ones in my home. I tried phono preamps by Jolida, Grado, Rogue Audio, Creek and a Dynavector P75. I was told that I would really like the Rogue, I love their tube amps, but it was the one I liked the least. I was hopeful the Jolida was going to be the winner but was disappointed with that one as well, I have a Jolida 801 integrated tube amp in this system! The one that won out by leaps and bounds was the Dynavector P75. So I believe the moral of the story here is how your TT and cartridge match up with the phono stage to accomplish the op goal of "sonic synergy"!
It's more about that perfect match and I don't really think how much you spend matters in the end. ymmv!
 
Thanks for the feedback, comments, opinions, etc.

As for my goal/budget, etc. - it was really more of a question around matching components from similar brands as opposed to specifics about the 2 phono preamps in question. But since it has come up, for the sake of this discussion let us assume that I am ONLY considering the Rega Fono Mini or the 640p. The comments about the Ortofon OEM cartridge are also very helpful - for now, let's assume it stays.

Maybe I should ask the question this way:

IF the Rega combination yielded some sort of '2+2=5' sonic result, would this be preferred to magical harmony from the 640p and 640a combo?

Is there any validity to to concept that components from the same manufacturer are greater than the sum of the parts?
 
I'm considering a Cambridge 540p..... Of course the 640p will be better but for 99 bucks the 540 looks pretty incredible.

I'd be interested in hearing the results of your findings. The Rega Mini looks like a nice unit as well, but the 640p would probably do better.
 
Zenith - I will let you know which way I decide. I agree with your comments about the 640p, just wanted to make sure I covered all of the bases.

Perhaps I am barking up the wrong tree, but I would like to believe that Rega's preamp would have a little something special when paired with one of their TT's, or vise-versa with the Cambridge Audio amp.

I think I was hoping for an answer like this:

"All things being equal, you should ALWAYS match the brand of your phono preamp to your (TT or Amplifier) BECAUSE (insert technical, non-subjective answer here...)".
 
Mr. Lin said:
Just my opinion, I'd go with C. Buy the best phono preamp you can afford.
Click to expand...

For starters I'd agree with Mr. Lin.

But there are many alternatives to consider. I have an inexpensive Pro-Ject MM/MC phono amp and that's hooked up to a Cary Audio tube pre-amp and a vintage Marantz 4140 amp. I also run a CDP via DAC and an iPod through the Cary. I'm very pleased with the results.

Good luck.
 
Lineside, I doubt that brand-matching would result in highest possible SQ. Like others have mentioned, matching the preamp to your cart is going to have a much bigger influence on the sound. And this IS a classic case of achieving higher fidelity by spending more IMO. Unlike line-stages, an RIAA preamp has a lot more to potentially alter the sound. Look for strict tolerances to the RIAA curve, say,+-0.5dB deviation. Also, capacitance matching will be a big part of the synergy.
 
lineside2034 said:
I think I was hoping for an answer like this:

"All things being equal, you should ALWAYS match the brand of your phono preamp to your (TT or Amplifier) BECAUSE (insert technical, non-subjective answer here...)".
Click to expand...
lineside,

If one thing I have learnt over the years is that there is no absolute in this hobby.

Quite often, there is something to be said about sums of is part and this is how even an entry-level setup can outdo am ill-matched costly set.

FWIW, I had less trouble matching a phono stage to a preamp than a cartridge to a phono.

Noone here can answer your question since even the electrical requirements are met, you can't account for a personal taste and needs.
 
StevieDude said:
The one that won out by leaps and bounds was the Dynavector P75. So I believe the moral of the story here is how your TT and cartridge match up with the phono stage to accomplish the op goal of "sonic synergy"!
It's more about that perfect match and I don't really think how much you spend matters in the end. ymmv!
Click to expand...
A P-75 is rather good, isn't it?
I would have picked it out of others you've mentioned, too.

But for an MM stage, I preferred the internal phono stage off my preamp probably due to its voicing as well as shorter signal path and a beefy power supply of a preamp.
 
kuma. said:
lineside,

If one thing I have learnt over the years is that there is no absolute in this hobby.

Quite often, there is something to be said about sums of is part and this is how even an entry-level setup can outdo am ill-matched costly set.

FWIW, I had less trouble matching a phono stage to a preamp than a cartridge to a phono.

Noone here can answer your question since even the electrical requirements are met, you can't account for a personal taste and needs.
Click to expand...

This is a really good point and I'm not sure too much more can be said about it now.

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned about matching a phono stage with a cartridge by brand because you're not likely to have that cartridge forever, or you might also use something else with said phono preamp. It seems unnecessary to me to match a phono preamp with something so expendable as a cartridge.
 
Mr. Lin said:
This is a really good point and I'm not sure too much more can be said about it now.

Personally I wouldn't be too concerned about matching a phono stage with a cartridge by brand because you're not likely to have that cartridge forever, or you might also use something else with said phono preamp. It seems unnecessary to me to match a phono preamp with something so expendable as a cartridge.
Click to expand...

True enough. Cambridge doesn't make cartridges, but their 640a is considered one of the better values in audio. I use the Hagarman phono preamps, and they don't make cartridges either.

Most phono pres will get the job done, with the extra money that you might spend (generally speaking) yielding wider range and additional resolution. If the cartridge you plan to use is, for example, a moving magnet under $200, than I'd think that the Rega or Cambridge unit would be all the phono pre that you'd need, and either one could deliver the goods.
 
kuma. said:
A P-75 is rather good, isn't it?
I would have picked it out of others you've mentioned, too.

But for an MM stage, I preferred the internal phono stage off my preamp probably due to its voicing as well as shorter signal path and a beefy power supply of a preamp.
Click to expand...

Yes, in my system, the P75 is great and I am thoroughly satisfied with it, but it turned out to be an excellent match for my arm and cartridge. I can understand where you are coming from as well. It makes good sense to use your ears as you have done. I believe it's all about making the best match you can with the dollars you have to spend! It's harder to do though if you aren't able to hear for yourself what each one will do in any given system. I'm lucky I have good friends that own a hifi shop! :music:
 
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