2. amps-preamps
  3. 129994-75150

Tube preamp with or without phono stage?

I’m looking to add a preamp to my two channel system. Currently I’m using an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 as the pre fed by a Simaudio Moon 110LP as the phonostage. My amp’s a Benchmark AHB-2 and speakers are Paradigm Persona 3F. The Personas and Benchmark are recent purchases and I’m rebuilding backwards. I’ve been targeting a clear, detailed, neutral and dimensional soundstage. Very low noise and distortion.

I’d now like to add a tube preamp and have a few questions. What are the pros and cons of the phonostage built into the pre vs as a separate? My amp only has balanced in’s but I can use an XLR to RCA adapter if necessary, are there any concerns with using the adapter? Finally, any recommendations up to about $3-5k with some flexibility?

Thanks
jszei
phd
1,283 posts
 
There is only one advantage of having a built-in phono and that is, it saves space, one less box. However if you are looking for the ultimate sound you will find a quality external phono head amp is the only way to go if you're serious about good sound! Here is another thing, if you are not using the internal phono preamp, do not remove the tubes from the circuit for safe keeping as this will damage the phono circuit.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Not to steal the thread, but to add to what John wrote... Just recently,  I mildly slapped a retailer for starting a thread that peddled his goods.  Ralph consistently offers true advice to all type of issues and helps resolve issues for all.  I have seen him give very good advice on all types of tubed equipment when I felt that his own product was clearly better.  Ralph CONTRIBUTES non selfishly... (are you tearing up Ralph?)
Atmosphere products are top notch.... Overall,  you can't go wrong with his products and Ralph has proven his word to be trust worthy.. Tim 


atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,656 posts
 
There is only one advantage of having a built-in phono and that is, it saves space, one less box. However if you are looking for the ultimate sound you will find a quality external phono head amp is the only way to go if you're serious about good sound! Here is another thing, if you are not using the internal phono preamp, do not remove the tubes from the circuit for safe keeping as this will damage the phono circuit.
I don't find this to be the case. The problem is the connectivity- if the phono section is built-in you don't have a connectivity issue. But if its external you do, which means the cable has to do a pretty good job.

You can certainly install a first class phono section in a preamp. Its all a matter of design; that preamp should be easily capable of keeping up with an external unit. What matters is not whether the phono preamp is internal or external so much as the intentions of the designer.
jszei OP
30 posts
 
@atmasphere and others, as I'm considering the MP-3 I'd like to ask both your objective and subjective opinions.  What would you consider to be the key specs of both a preamp and phono stage?  My simplistic understanding is low impedance, noise and distortion.

Your website states:
"By incorporating the phono into the preamp, we eliminate the variables of interconnection between the phono section and the line stage and we offer one of the best volume controls available in the industry."

What variables of interconnection are being referred to here?

This is my first tube component.  I'm very familiar with solid state and digital.  I'm interested in finding out what a tube component can do with the sound of both my digital and analog sources.

phd
1,283 posts
 
Atmasphere, some manufacturers of very good sounding preamps install a phono section as after-thought or they don't install one at all. I realize that this is not always the case but I am very satisfied with my external phono preamp.
More to discover