Phono preamp

[instatone]

Any phone prestage recommendations to pair with my system?

What do you recommend for a MM phono stage standalone upgrade for my Thorens TD160 with MM cart? It is driven currently by McIntosh 2505 and C26. Current speakers are JBL 4311 with a SVS sub.


Price range is sub $600
Thanks friends!

 

[lightcapture]

What's wrong w/ the integrated phono stage?

If you want stand alone what about Vincent Audio w/ outboard power supply. They have tube and SS versions. I like these a lot.
https://www.vincent-tac.de/en/product-types/phono-preamplifier.html

Rega is quite good too.
https://www.rega.co.uk/products/phono-stages

Pro-ject makes good ones too. Tube and SS
https://pro-jectusa.com/product-category/amps-and-speakers/phono-preamps-electronics/

Or on a budget Schiit Audio is very good for the money. It's what I use for cheap price.
https://www.schiit.com/products/mani-2

 

[instatone]

Nothing is wrong with it, but I’ve now experienced the upgrade at my friends house. Once he added the Phenomena 2 it enhanced the sound significantly from what was in his Marantz. I am hoping to come close on my own system.

 

[soundmig]

I highly recommend the Parks Audio Puffin with digital out (coax or toslink) if you have a really good DAC. Its' worth considering even if you use it analog in and analog out. There is no phonostage I can think of that is a versatile and useful - period. The analog in/out only version is under $500. Anyway, you get a great phono stage for use with ANY cartridge, a. highly accurate RIAA Eq section that also has other curves that you can select from, an effective pop and click filter, the ability to correct poorly eq'd and or pressed LP's via numerous EQ selections, a tool that will allow you to accurately set Azimuth and Anti-skate, it also will check your turntable speed and a few other things I can't recall at the moment. I used to run a Parasound JC3+ which i Loved dearly, but using the Puffin with digital out into my Chord Qutest is very close sonically and miles ahead of any phono pre I've ever owned when it comes to making those barely listenable LP's we all have plenty of into very good sounding LP's that you can really enjoy. And the designer/builder does in fact answer your questions via e-mail!!!

 

[instatone]

Thanks for the vote for Puffin. I did funny enough just watch a video review of it. Puffin sounds like it’s running circles around other preamp makers just because of its versatility. I guess for real analog enthusiasts they would feel it is breaking the analog chain, but sounds like it’s doing it with full purpose to give you the best sound possible; and who can complain about that? I’ll definitely put it on my list, but do note I don’t have a DAC. Are you saying a DAC is required in order for me to use on my current setup?

 

[MCM_Fan]

Darlington Labs MP-7

I also suggest you do a google search for user reviews and comments on other forums like stevehoffman.tv, superbestaudiofriends.org and audiogon.com.

 

[ehoove]

For your budget look for a Phonomena 2+ or a PS Audio GCPH used and call it a day. (Phonomena 2+ is more flexible if you go to LOMC)
Regards,
Jim

 

[instatone]

For your budget look for a Phonomena 2+ or a PS Audio GCPH used and call it a day. (Phonomena 2+ is more flexible if you go to LOMC)
Regards,
Jim

Jim, After reading a majority of positive reviews of the PS AUDIO GCPH I am inclined to snag one and be done with the research. One rookie question - do I plug it into my phono input on my mc2505, into another input such as aux (which is currently take up by a wifi streamer) or directly into the power amp?

 

[ehoove]

Jim, After reading a majority of positive reviews of the PS AUDIO GCPH I am inclined to snag one and be done with the research. One rookie question - do I plug it into my phono input on my mc2505, into another input such as aux (which is currently take up by a wifi streamer) or directly into the power amp?

It will go into the Aux input or it could go straight into the power amp as it has a Volume control.
Regards,
Jim