How good are phono stages in preamps? Are stand-alone phono stages much better?
- Thread starter Boogieman
- Start date
The short answer is: it depends. I've heard internal phonostages sound quite good. The ARC SP20 for example has a very good phonostage. The Devialet 170 I reviewed also had an excellent phonostage - very configurable.
But generally speaking, a separate phonostage will yield better results.
What are you looking at?
But generally speaking, a separate phonostage will yield better results.
What are you looking at?
highEndguy
New member
+1
- Thread Author
- #4
Gentlemen, thank you for the lightning fast replies! I will be getting a $5-$10K turntable later this year. I was looking at the MBL and CAT preamps. They can both come with phono. I'm wondering if it makes sense to get these "all-inclusive" models or to go with the pure line stage and opt for a separate phono stage later when I get "warmer" to the vinyl rig.
Take a glance at the ARC SP20. ARC builds great preamps and phonostages and I've heard the SP20 and thought it was really really good.
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Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
MusicDirector
New member
- Joined
- May 21, 2013
- Messages
- 2,013
+1
omg!!! CAT makes about the best internal phonostage on the planet!!! at least the best ive heard. and ive heard my fair share and owned several. i now run a hovland which i bought because of the internal phono being so good, and i would ditch it in a second for the cat w/ phonostage. its all my oppinon but i think it was as good as the steelhead i heard right next to it with the same music and source. i would buy the CAT if i had a chance. they make some of the best tube gear out there. on the flip side, external phonostages do have more fine tuning adjustments involved than internals, and that is the reason i am selling my pre with internal and buying an external. but mine only does mc's the cat does mm/mc.
A/V Solutions
Member
If you decide on a preamp/phono all in one then one thing to watch for is gain and loading options......many all in one's don't offer the flexibility as a stand alone phono stage.....some do but many do not. Also with a pre/phono combo your always upgrading both pieces!! just my 2 cents.....its a mileage thing!
ohbythebay
New member
If this is the one you are talking about...you might not need an outboard...what writeup...
CAT SL-1 Ultimate Preamplifier | 10 Audio
CAT SL-1 Ultimate Preamplifier | 10 Audio
yea it is, i almost had one.lol. http://audioshark.org/pre-amps-9/got-my-eye-baby-4297.html#.UxALj4X0hac
- Thread Author
- #11
Thank you so much. I will try to get my hands on it to give it a listen.
CPP
Active member
I currently use a Cary pre-amp with phono stage but recently had the chance to connect a Manley Steelhead phono stage to my system and wow. Not sure if it was the shielding provided by the external chassis, the power supply or how the dedicated circuitry was configured by there was a noticeable (good) difference in sound, but that does come at a higher price.
PMCH
Member
I purchased an Audia Flight phono stage and preferred it to just using my McIntosh C2300 preamp. I found it presented a larger soundstage and more detail. Unfortunately the AF cost more than the entire C2300.