2. amps-preamps
  3. 164327-148023

Separates or not?

I'm redoing my office system.  I just bought a pair of Maggie's, the 1.7is.  I have a Bryston 3bnrb for amplification.  The question relates to preamplification.

My budget is around $4000 give or take.  I need mc/mm phono amplification and line level preamplification.  I am looking at new or demo. I would consider used only if it has a significant transferable manufacturer's waranty.

I have a Michel Gyrodec Ii with SME 309 arm, and several different low output MC cartridges(.2-.4 mv output).

My question is, given my needs, would I get better bang for the buck at this price level by getting a preamp with an integrated phono stage, or going with a line level preamp and a separate phono stage?  

Thanks.
xaak
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,579 posts
 
Keep your phono preamp as a separate device. More flexibility.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Any descent preamp will do fine. Don’t blow too much $. Parasound p3 or P5 used is all you need,
a great preamp!


joey54
435 posts
 
You might want to consider the Aesthetix Pallene with it's internal phono card. TAS just reviewed the phono card in the Aesthetix Mimas integrated amp and gave it a great review. The Pallene is their new preamp that is essentially the preamp section of the Mimas. I believe the retail cost with the phono card is $5,250. Over your budget I know but you may be able to get a discount from a dealer. If you are on the east coast you should talk to John Rutan at the Audio Connection in Verona, NJ. John can answer any questions about this preamp and I know he has sold quite a few of them already.

BTW, Aesthetix has not added the Pallene to their website yet but it looks exactly like the Mimas. Good Luck!
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,533 posts
 
You will get better performance with separates unquestionably.  It is uncommon to find a great preamp with a built in phono stage.  That being said, there are some great units that will perform well and have very good phono stages.  

This is a pain because of the wait, but AVM PA30.3 has an awesome feature set and is going to be a strong value at $2895 or $2995.  I already have preorders for this thing.  Expectation is March April for delivery.  It has been available for a while in Europe.  Best part is this will have variable outputs for easy amp matching.  I can't speak to the quality of the phono stage yet but I would expect it to be good based on the strength of AVMs cards in the PA5.2.

Check out the Bel Canto e.One Pre5 ($2295) and the Bel Canto e.One Phono ($1495).  These two units will be on budget, take up the space of one component, but are in two separate Chassis.

You need to dig into whether the output will match with your Bryston but the Rogue RP5 is an awesome preamp with a good phono stage built in at $3500.  I spent a lot of time listening to it with a Rogue Medusa amp and B&W speakers.  

The NAD M12 is largely digital centric but has a decent phono stage in it.  At $3899 in is on budget and has great functionality.  I am not sure if I would take this over the others but it is an option worth exploring.  

All four of these are safe, well-made brands with good product support.  I am an AVM and NAD dealer, I am currently vetting Bel Canto and have no affiliation with Rogue.  
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