2. amps-preamps
  3. 195782-205219

thoughts on adding phonostage

Thinking of adding a phonostage/upgrade cartridge on current set up;
EAT b sharp turntable
rogue audio cronus magnum iii
goldenear T66 floor speakers
KimberKable ascent 8tc speaker wire and PBJ interconnect.

currently I have a ortofon bronze 2M cartridge.   will upgrade to EAT jo no.5 , Hana ML or ortofon MC quintent bronze depending on best price etc. excited to actually hear the difference as i think the set up sounds pretty good right now.  

question is, thoughts on phonostage? the cronus magnum iii has a built in MM/MC phonostage, woudl it be overkill? and do i pair the phono to the rogue audio, or to the EAT turntable, or can I go with another brand?

 

pmzn
maam522a
2 posts
 

I am confronted with the same question.  My initial thought is to live with my current MC preamp in my Aragon 24k.  Adding 2 sets of cable and another audio device and then into an aux/cd/or tape input on my current system and out again seems like a lot of added stuff in my signal path.  and it is starting at a few microvolts.

johnss
628 posts
 

+1 for @soix comments. And if you are going to jump into LOMC land then consider a good step up with either tube or SS phono stages. With SUTs, you will want the widest bandwidth you can afford. 

dayglow
2,137 posts
 

My advice is try matching the phono cartridge with your loudspeakers. As you might know phono cartridges and speakers are the most flawed components in the audio chain. Explains why there is such a wide variation in sound characteristics.

mitchagain
487 posts
 

A phono pre that might be flying under your radar is the Herron Audio VTPH-2A. If you check the Audiogon discussion forums, you'll find numerous glowing recommendations for it.

Problem is, they rarely hit the used market; so, being patient might be a big issue. 

pmzn OP
8 posts
 

thank you guys. i also love the fact that you can play around with the tubes try diffent tubes to create different sounds...ive basically figured out if i leave my amp on since we play music everyday the sound is incredible...i do know that i am going to up grade to a HO cart next. and i am eyeballing a luxman e-250 used. i like adding a solid state to my chain. but i'll end up changing my mind at least another 50 times

 

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