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
bowbow
123 posts
 
If that comment was made by Music Direct; all I can say is I am tired of dealers who trash products they don't sell, before they tell you all about the supposedly better stuff they do sell.

There are lots of fine phono stages at every price point.

If they did say it, I'll never buy from them. To paraphrase the comment....There are too many other dealers at that price point that are better (more honest).

Many audiogon posters are also guilty of this when making recommendations.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Bowbow, you're right. That was said by Music Direct and it is a low blow. Especially considering how many of those units they sold over the years by MD. They've basically told all of their customers that our opinion (MD's) today is meaningless, it could change tomorrow, so don't listen to our opinion. This issue made a big stink at the Asylum. Low class, IMHO. Not that I ever took their (MD) opinion seriously, but some do.

Regards,
John
del
31 posts
 
My return to analog was with an MMF-7 and Monolithic PS-1 phono stage. I later added the HC-1 power supply. I thought it was a terrific combination. Amazingly quiet. The MMF-7 comes with a high output moving coil cartridge that is very good (and set up is a no brainer) and the Monolithic has plenty of gain to play it without strain. The power supply improved the sound substantially, but it is still acceptable with the wall wart that comes with the PS1. Together the Monolithic's cost about $700 but you can find them used. Also, as budget allows, Modwright has a modification for them that I have never heard but upgrading parts usually means better and quieter sound. I think the MMF-7 is a great way to start. I found that my percentage of listening to vinyl vs cd quickly began to significantly move to the vinyl side. The MMF-7 set up is good enough to better most cd players.
If you are handy, you might consider assembling a tube phono stage kit. Check out the Hagerman Technology web site at www.hagtech.com. You can also buy them from him assembled, if, like me, you are all thumbs.
gotoma8
32 posts
 
To tell the truth, my set up, a REGA Planar 3, a Musical Fidelity XLP phono stage and a Dynavector cartrige are great!!! all purchased for Under $1000...give that a go.

I have a question for you...how do you find your Signature 2 speaker cables? I am thinking a pair of those for the lows and the signature threes for the highs..please let me know what you think about the cables.
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