Is Coincident Statement Phono pre-amp an overkill

Hi Lew,

Yes, it is described as using a SUT, and I'd imagine that it could be bypassed internally and a suitable resistive termination put in place. But it seems clear from the description that internal modifications would be required, and I doubt that many of us would want to do that to such a special piece. Or even have Israel do that, if in fact he would be willing to.

And of course the mod would have to be undone later if the OP eventually goes to a LOMC, unless the design were further modified with the addition of a switch and wiring changes, the result very conceivably being a signal path that is compromised to some degree.

I suppose also that an external SUT could be purchased and used in the reverse direction, to reduce the voltage and increase the load impedance. But that doesn't seem to make much sense either, sonically or financially.

My basic feeling, fwiw, is that something as special as this piece should be kept in stock form, and used as its designer intended.

Best regards,
-- Al

Based on my interactions with Israel over the past 4 years, he'd rather lose his right hand and an eye(maybe even an ear) before he'd compromise anything related to the signal path. Purity and simplicity of the audio signal is his mantra.
Charles,

I know cartridges are a world in itself. I would just start with the most inexpensive MC cartridge that would be compatible with the Concept turnarm.

The Denon 103r should work. Dirt cheap here. Plus one of the reviews of the Coincident asserted that it plays well with the Denon.

I find that there's such a thing as over-deliberation. Even in the absence of all the facts, sometimes one just needs to make a decision, one way or the other, and move on. Moreover, you now have 25 records (and counting?); give them some love.

Essrand, Building an audio system is relevant to a mathematical equation.
The problem is to find the values or solutions. You are deciding on variables or unknowns. The Statement Preamp will get you closer to your desired binary relation which would be the equals (=) of your goals end.
My system was put together solely based on much research and testimony on user's accolades. I would feel as confident in Coincident Preamp and Amplifiers.
I went for the Doshi Alaap which offers more Phono choices (cost reflective!!) which you do not require. Lewm previously mentioned of a friend who traded Alaap for the Statement. That speaks A LOT to me!
You have an opportunity to attain world-class Amplification performance!

3 Months Later. To provide a conclusion to this fantastic thread.

I first made the "rational" choice and got the EAR 834P. Enjoyed it for a while.

I was later convinced that getting CSPS would obviate the need for a line stage for my Digital (so true!).

Sold the EAR 834P and my Coincident Phono arrived just yesterday !

Am super excited.

The line stage of the CSPS sounds as good if not better than my previous line stage.

Still need to updgrade my analog frontend to become MC (its MM now) sigh!
But do not regret the decision.

The CSPS at $4500 even $6000 is a steal !