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Phono pre amp

I recently purchased a new TT a VPI Prime with a VDH DD2 special MC cartridge, I'm very happy. I still want to use my previous TT which was a Denon DP51F with a Ortofon MM2 Bronze cartridge. My VPI is plugged into the phono stage on my Yamaha AS2100. The question is, will I get more out of the VPI if I buy a (better) separate phono stage for the VPI and use the Yamaha phono stage for the Denon? If so, what phono pre amp would be good for the VPI?
128x128chasda
chasda's avatar
chasda OP
67 posts
 
@verdantaudioIf 
If it would make a significant improvement, I could see spending up to $1K on a separate phono pre amp. Can I run both TT out of such a pre amp? I have not thought about size, but I don't think it would be of concern, unless it was huge. I've looked at the specs of the cartridge, I see it's low output, but with limited knowledge, I'm a little over my head. Thanks for the response.
chasda's avatar
chasda OP
67 posts
 
@chakster
It appears to be low output, but the specs on the VDH are hand written in the box, not sure what they all mean. I'm a little over my head.
tablejockey
3,958 posts
 
You need  55-60 db  of gain in your phonostage(yours is .65mv.) for your new cart. An outboard phonostage can be a significant upgrade from the onboard of your Yamaha.
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,502 posts
 
There are are some great units that you can attach two turntables too.  Do you need silver or black?  There is an awesome unit that has been discontinued from Musical Fidelity that would do the job and be a little above your budget shipped but is only available in Silver as they are running down stock.  The M6 Vinyl.  There is a new unit that has taken its place.  

There are others but this would would be obscenely good for what you need as it supports different tables and is easily switchable on the front of the unit.  

Great phono stages below $1000 are easy to find.  Most support one table.  Not sure how may will support two.  If the MF interests you PM Me as I can get it quickly.  I am an MF dealer.  

g9taylor
42 posts
 
At the more expensive end of the spectrum I love my Zesto Andros 1.2.  There are lots of reviews to find online.  It has separate MM and MC inputs so it could accommodate both tables.  Easy access to controls and loading on the back, no dip switches.  Lots of gain available.

I have a VPI Prime / JMW tone arm and a Soundsmith Sussorro MKII ES cartridge.  I'm very happy with the sound.  When I originally got the Zesto I was using an Ortofon Quintet black, which I think is closer to what you have in price point.  That cart was also a great match with the Zesto.  If your looking for a destination phono stage that sounds great with a wide variety of cartridge price points and is very flexible and full featured I suggest it wholeheartedly.
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