I tried to run a phono pre directly into my power amps once and was stunned to find how much my active preamp had been contributing. Sounded flat, bleached and generally blah without the active pre. If you do buy the phono pre, be sure to try it into your amps before selling the Calypso (which I also own). My CD player (Raysonic 128) also sounds pretty dreadful going direct or via a passive linestage. Just a heads-up.
Coincident Statement Phono Pre amp opinions
I am looking for opinions about this phono pre amp from owners and people who have auditioned. I currently use a Simaudio LP5 with outboard power supply phono pre and Aesthetix Calypso line stage. The Coincident is a phono pre with one line level input and volume control and can go directly into amp. I only use a TT and CD so if I went this direction I would replace both the Simaudio and Aesthetix. Also interested in any comments as to why Coincident products are rarely review by the major magazines.