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Onkyo A-9555 and Benz Ace L: step-up? preamp?

I have a modest system involving a Rega P3-24, an Onkyo A-9555 integrated amp and a pair of Athena AS-B2.2 speakers. I've been using the Denon DL-160 as my cart up to this point but have recently come into possession of a Benz Ace low output. The Onkyo works fine with a HOMC like the Denon, but isn't designed for a LO, so I find myself in the market for either a step-up or a pre-preamp.
While I've read through many threads here regarding the Onkyo, I haven't found any that involve this particular problem. Although I've looked at the classified offerings here, I'm utterly out of my depth and have no idea what will work with my system. Is it wise to purchase a reasonably priced tube preamp like the Soundstage Vacuum or should I stick with a step up transformer of some kind?
alekhine
alekhine OP
1 posts
 
Let's assume for a moment that I ditch the Benz, as some of you have suggested. I just upgraded to a Rega P5 and really want to get the most out of this table. I'm intrigued by the "synergy" idea of pairing it with an Exact 2, but I bought the Benz with the (possibly mistaken) notion that a good LOMC, properly amplified, can generally sound better than an MM, as well as reducing the intrusiveness of pops and clicks.
So, setting aside monetary considerations for a moment, would pairing the Benz (or a comparable LOMC) with a preamp like the Nova Phonomena offer anything the Exact 2 (with just the Onkyo, naturally) wouldn't?
adam18
670 posts
 
Synergy between Rega Table, Rega arm, and Rega cartridge.....This is exactly what I was considering when I upgraded my analog front end. After a ton of internet research, discussions with fellow 'Goners, and speaking with highly regarded "experts," I purchased a new Rega P3-24 table with the RB-301 arm and the Rega Exact 2 cartridge. I am thrilled with the musicality, resolution, soundstage, PRaT, and truth of timbre of this set-up, and it all works beautifully through the built-in phono stage of my Rogue Audio Cronus integrated amp.

I am sure that there's "a lot better stuff" out there, but with today's economic climate and my desire for the best way to listen to my huge collection of jazz vinyl, I am extremely happy. I'm sure that the P5/Exact 2 combination will sound wonderful straight through your Onkyo amp.....Give it a try.

By the way, I just bought a Herbie's mat to replace the Rega felt.....The Herbie's sounded considerably better than the felt when I auditioned it at my Rega dealer's place, so I'm pretty psyched to check it out in my system. And, in a few months, when I have some more dedicated "audio $$" laying around, I want to get the Rega TT-PSU. I'll keep ya'all posted. Happy Listening.
bobgates
535 posts
 
I have a similar setup and purchased a Cambridge 640P phono preamp. Works for both MM and low output MC cartridges and is really a nice improvement over the phono stage in the Onkyo.
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