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Best preamp with built in phono stage?

I have and love my Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with its excellent built in phono stage.  A two box tube unit. I don’t have rack space for a separate phono stage and don’t want another IC. Not to mention the cost of a high end line stage and high end phono stage. The MP-1 was specifically designed to play vinyl. 8 of its 18 tubes are dedicated to the phono. In many ways, it seems to not have competition. Surely, very pricy line stage and phono stage can surpass it but I don’t know another high end pre with built in phono that compares.
mglik

Showing 2 responses by mglik

mglik OP
889 posts
 
Hi Mike,The Atma was $28k believe the darTZeel is $50k+.
And the Atma has multiple balanced in and out. The darTZeel only has one balanced in and out.
Do you use the BNCs?
Seems the darT was also designed greatly to play vinyl as is the Atma. Both by vinyl loving designers.
I’m sure the darT is excellent. And also imagine the SQ is not head and shoulders above the Atma. Probably a different take. Yes, more lively. Could the Atma be more “organic”? No ICs. Just a lot of tubes.
My TT rig is Woodsong Garrard 301, Triplanar arm, and Lyra Atlas SL. What is yours?
Cheers,
Mike
mglik OP
889 posts
 
Hi Mike,
I am humbled by your system. And by looking into your years of efforts I am more appreciative of what I have put together.
Probably 1/10th or less than your investment, I have reached the point of also being swept away.
Two components that most elevated my system are my AGD amps and Lyra Atlas SL cartridge. So much so that I even feel right to suggest them.
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