2. analog
  3. 1044041084

Turntable and Phono Stage Help Needed

I'm thinking of taking the plunge into analog. My current system is:

Arcam CD92
HT Pro-Silway II
Classe 150CAP integrated (no phono)
Synergistic Research Sig. 2 Cables
Audio Physic Virgo III

While I want to give analog another go, I don't want to break the bank. Say $1,500 for the whole setup (I am fine with both new or used). I'd appreciate help with two issues.

1) What turntable/arm/cartridge? Since I don't remember much about turntables, ease of use would be important. Also, assuming I would give up something at this price point in terms of sonics, I would prefer a slightly warmer presentation to a forward or brighter sound. I'm leaning towards a Music Hall MMF-7 which seems to be available for approx. $850 new.

2) What do you recommend for a phono stage? FYI, with the push of a button, the amp and preamp can be separated on the Classe. In other words, there is an option to either buy a preamp and use only the amp of the Classe or buy a phono stage only eg Lehmann Black Cube and use the preamp and amp of the Classe.

Thanks for your responses.
Dave
milo
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
If you go with the MMF-7 a Lehmann Black Cube phono preamp is very nice and will keep you in your budget.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Dave, see if you can get Classe to install their phono board. I'm using a Classe CP-60 with phono. It is a very nice built in phono board. IMHO, Rowland was the only preamp I've heard that I like the built in phono better. E-mail Armin at Classe and see what he can do. If this is a no go, then I'd just get a phono preamp. Every once in a while you'll see a Klyne SK-2A(?) go on sale on Agon for $200-350. They can't be beat for under $500. In fact, they're hard to beat under a grand. If you can't find or can't wait for one of them, try a McCormack Micro phono drive. You can get a new one from The Stereo Trading Outlet (www.tsto.com) with 3 year warranty for $349 (MSRP $599). My buddy bought one of these and is very happy.

I hope this helped.
John
fzxguy
62 posts
 
I had a CAP-100 with phono and thought it did a good job, It was in character with the amp. As for the black cube, Music Direct (amusicdirect.com) has recently discontinued it because (they say) There are too many other units at that price point that are better. I have always liked Grado Cartridges, for their, warmth, detail, dynamics, and great mid-range. I recently mated my Grado (sonata) with Grados new phono pre, and really love the smooth, effortless sound. They retail at 5, but sell at around $400. and of course will work with any cartridge. There are two gain settings for Grado's .5 mV and 4.0 mV cartridges.
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