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Best preamp with built in phono stage?

I have and love my Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with its excellent built in phono stage.  A two box tube unit. I don’t have rack space for a separate phono stage and don’t want another IC. Not to mention the cost of a high end line stage and high end phono stage. The MP-1 was specifically designed to play vinyl. 8 of its 18 tubes are dedicated to the phono. In many ways, it seems to not have competition. Surely, very pricy line stage and phono stage can surpass it but I don’t know another high end pre with built in phono that compares.
mglik
varyat's avatar
varyat
145 posts
 
Tidal Audio Prisma....
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Sanders “the preamp”
mglik OP
902 posts
 
Hi Mike,
I am humbled by your system. And by looking into your years of efforts I am more appreciative of what I have put together.
Probably 1/10th or less than your investment, I have reached the point of also being swept away.
Two components that most elevated my system are my AGD amps and Lyra Atlas SL cartridge. So much so that I even feel right to suggest them.
troidelover1499
253 posts
 
I think many of the more expensive, older integrated amplifiers have phono stages built in, as that was expected back in those days.  Better units from Sony, Denon, Yamaha, as well as Luxman have them.
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
1,866 posts
 
Agree with others that VAC preamps have superb built-in phono stages as an option. The 6-tube stage is better (Signature, Master lines) but the 3-tube stages (Renaissance) are still great. Their new units are pricey but good used models sometimes show up for sale at great prices, and VAC support won't leave you in the dust.
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