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Recommended phono stage to go with McIntosh

Hello-

Looking into upgrading a few elements in my system and would like to hear everyone’s comments/suggestions on how to best move forward. System looks like this:

Piega C10 Ltds speakers
McIntosh Mc402 amp. Possibly adding an extra to run mono as the Piegas like their juice.
McIntosh C2200 preamp
Technics 1200 GR turntable with stock arm
Lehmannaudio Black Cube 2
Carts are MoFi Master Tracker and Vasari Gold Note
Chords are Audience and Shunyata

Upgrading the phono stage, arm and carts at some time. I only have MM carts now. McIntosh does have a recently introduced phono stage, not sure how good it is. Budget for the phono stage is $3000?

Your thoughts suggestions on how to move forward. Thanks!
128x128knollbrent
bac2vinyl
78 posts
 
Decware ZP3 hand made, tube.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
try to find a good Pass Labs XONO with large power supply.  great value and great sound.  I doubt you would be disappointed
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
452 posts
 
I think you're out of your mind.  The Mac phono stage in the C22 preamp is one of the best I've ever heard.  The C2200 is their new tube unit, right?  Should be essentially the same circuit.


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knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
526 posts
 
Great advice @avanti1960  and @jsm71 

I tried the phono pre section on the C2200 @russbutton  but even with adjusting the trim I don't get enough gain out of it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Manual says phono section for MM carts, that's what's playing. 
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