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Phono/Preamp Discussion: The Missing Link

I have been reading the threads about the best phono/preamps sections on planet earth, and the same names keep popping up. Most of these amps are in the $5000+ price bracket and are direct plugins for MC carts.

Builders are putting themselves through the ringer to come up with ways (multiple gain stages, Fets, Tubes, Passive EQs, interstage, zero feedback, dual mono, balanced, separate power supplies, balanced etc blah blah blah) to amplify an MC cart without noise in the most transparent way possible. The specifics of their ingenuity is only partially understood by me but the results are evident. Along with this comes the price tags that are big enough to keep most people to only be able to dream of one day having one of "those" preamps.

What is absent from these discussions, often, is: why not just get a good step up transformer and MM Phono section?

Are there any MM phono preamps, or even full function preamps with an MM section that can compare to the "uber" preamps when used with a step up transformer?

It just seems like there is a HUGE cost premium for the ingenuity required for those transparent and noiseless extra DBs of gain (MC over MM), so you can plug in your cartridge without a step up, and I am curious if that same ingenuity is needed for a MM section. Because if not, one could simply seek out a stellar MM preamp for a significant cost saving and connect an excellent SUT.

What am I missing here. Please correct me if my logic is flawed I am very interested in hearing your take on this. Thanks.
dfel
jperry
2,448 posts
 
Did you hear the Leben/Auditorium with a EMT TSD cartridge? That is a great combination. You can look at my system if you are interested in what I have for comparison.
dfel OP
62 posts
 
Jperry, yes it was, think it was a 15 not sure.
dfel OP
62 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. I have to say I was hoping some designers would weigh in on the main question:

Is it worth paying mega bucks for the + 20ish db gain provided by an uber high end MC phono/pres everyone is listing in the best MC Phono/preamp threads, or can one be better of with a SUT + MM input?

Is the SUTless MC Phono/Pre, that requires the ingenuity to achieve VERY high gain noiselessly worth its huge price premium in a world where one could also noiselessly implement a SUT + MM Input?

Is the added ingenuity for the 20db gain for a MC input over an MM input what commands the high premium or is it just as difficult to implement a good MM section?



dfel OP
62 posts
 
Well, Ohnofiasco I disagree. I am not trying to start up a pissing contest but a good SUT does not have to cost anywhere near 4K. There are many new production and vintage models to chose from that are stellar. I can see how that option is a turnoff for most, it requires math and a soldering iron often times since you usually just get a pair of cans.

Ohnofiasco: In terms of the hommage, it is excellent, with CERTAIN cartridges (SPU...). I do not see the OUTSOURCED item as anything particularly special, beyond its synergy with the carts suggested. However, generally people who purchase that unit are far detached from the DIY crowd and will pay for the convenience to have the absolute best match. If I was ready to spend 4k on a trafo I would take the set it and forget it approach as well, but I am not.
I think equivalent or even better trafos can be had for much less.
thekong
203 posts
 
I don’t think the price/cost has anything to do with full active MC gain vs mm gain + SUT, after all you can find ultra expensive and no so expensive samples of each. Just look at the Kondo MM phono + SUT, and you can see this route can get very expensive too!

So, which one is more cost effective depends on which particular models you are looking at, and more importantly, your preference in audio reprodution.

Like many other things in audio, CD vs LP, tube vs SS, some audiophiles just prefer active MC gain while others SUT. You just have to pick your poison!
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