There is only one preamp with built-in phono that I would consider, Atma-Sphere MP-1, in the no compromise category you’re looking for. I was on the phone with the owner, Ralph Karsten, just last week, he normally picks up, trouble shooting some tubes. You’d be hard pressed to find a better company, products or person to deal with. I own two of their components and about to buy a third. Highly recommended.
Best Full-Function Preamplifier
Consulting the collective wisdom on the best preamp with built in phonostage (MM/MC). DAC not required but OK if it has one. Below $20K retail. Must be a no compromise solution--outstanding linestage and a flexible, great sounding phonostage that would not make you wish you had separates. Thoughts?
Showing 2 responses by marco1
@lewm you bring up many very good points regarding SQ that should be considered when looking at full function vs. separate line and phono stages. I went through several iterations of “separates“ before finally settling on a full function preamp for spinning records. Why, because for the same dollars it just sounded better. I have since decided, primarily because I’m old and lazy, to go with strictly a digital source. Particularity when considering the OP’s budget (if you have enough money in this hobby you can pretty much do anything) looking at a full function preamp like Vac or Atma-Sphere or I’m sure there are a couple of others that don’t come to mind, will give him the biggest bang for his bucks in his quest for SOTA. |