Phono Stage, How much do I need to spend, New or used.
I think maybe the OP didn't communicate what he is hearing correctly. I don't think he is talking about SPL or dynamics. Maybe he means referring more to the illusion of the soundstage filling the room? And that could just come down to the recording quality, no matter what the medium. Again, just speculating. Oz |
Return option is recommended, especially Phono, you can read all you want, they sound this way in that system, that way in yours. I had a highly regarded McIntosh SS C-28 Preamp, and a TT with an optional dinky built in phono preamp. I actually preferred the TT’s built in to the C28. Then I bought my beloved McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp mx110z. Great Phono (2 inputs). I use a SUT step up transformer for MC with PASS for MM, to send all 3 of my tonearm/cartridges (MC,MM,Mono) to mx110z’s phono. Personally, especially with return option, I suggest you try a Tube Preamp with Phono(s), which gives you options to try tubes with any or all other components that are perhaps going thru an integrated amp. I like Vintage, eBay search just now, many with returns, including one mx110z listed. Yes those old RCA jacks need a good cleaning, true of most vintage, https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=vintage+tube+prea... |
one newly listed there would tempt me https://www.ebay.com/itm/Counterpoint-SA3-1-Tube-Analog-Audiophile-Preamp-Phono/154358866931 quick find https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/the-sa-3-1-an-overlooked-gem.168/ lewm, a member here, mentioned their 5.1 is very nice sounding. |
Hello, I have a great recommendation for the VPI and your cart. Sutherland KC Vibe. $899 for a really nice preamp. https://sutherlandengineering.com/products/kc-vibe/ I have the Mani also. It is nice on a cheap cart. But on a VPI with a nice cart you need really good equipment. I agree with the Herron but it is up there in price. Also, you have to be careful with tubes. On some systems they can be to mellow. Sutherland handles both types of carts with good selection. I liked 47k and 50db of gain. there are more expensive models. The sweet spot is the 20/20 for $2200 and $400 more for an upgraded power supply https://sutherlandengineering.com/products/2020/ I have heard both of these. The KC Vibe was really nice on my $500 TT. If you are in the Chicagoland area I use https://holmaudio.com/ I am still deciding which VPI I want and will match it with the 20/20 or the Little LOCO. They have an upgrade program. So I can start with the VPI prime scout and a Sutherland KCVibe and trade up to a VPI prime and a Sutherland 20/20 a year from purchase in case I win the lottery. I hope this helps because I have listened to all of this myself so I am coming from experience. To fill the room upgrade your speakers or your regular preamp. |
