2. amps-preamps
  3. 170268-1009

Separates vs Integrated and Separate phono stage vs preamp with phono

I've had a few preamps with built-in phono: Rogue Magnum 99, BAT vk30, Audible Illusions M3b (both MM and MC), and Plinius M16P. I've heard users comparing them with 1K+ separate phono stages and saying they are as good as separate 1K+ phono preamps. They were all OK on my system, but still not as good as my MAGI phonomenal (a tube phono preamp with two MM inputs at $1K) or Allnic H1202 MM/MC. Now, I am not considering any preamps with built-in phono for my future upgrades.
Is it really hard to make the phono section of preamps with built-in phono (at under $6K) as good as very good separate phonos at $1K ~ $3K?

I wonder whether users who prefer separate pre/power amps over integrated amps have the similar kinds of experience. Integrated amps (as built-in preamp) can't be just as good as separated power and pre amps at comparable price range?



128x128ihcho
mrklas
441 posts
 
MC & mikelavigne have dropped some great knowledge.

The point I would add is think about the customer the equipment manufacturer is targeting.  The customer who is looking at a separate phone stage is most likely a more educated buyer with preferences for cartridges or enjoys the process of tweaking and matching their system.

I prefer a built in phono stage for my preamp and for me it's about space and ease.   
ghdprentice
7,160 posts
 
I went to separate phono stage in the 1980’s after using one integrated in the preamp and kept putting more money into it with big gains in performance each time. I have to say the best cost to performance. Ratio was at about $9K. Phono stages are really important and when separates the company put effort into the power supply and overall performance. 

Also what Mike and MC said.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho OP
612 posts
 
Great.
Thanks for all your reply.
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