Current sensing phono stages w/Rega?


Hey folks,

Anyone using Channel D Lino C 2.0 or the Sutherland Little Loco with a Rega RP8? 

I got some great advice here on researching my first cartridge and phono stage upgrade.

Cartridge was upgraded from the Exact MM to the Ania Pro MC on my Rega RP8.

After researching the suggested phono stages, I home demoed a Musical Surroundings Nova III (with both stock walwart and optional LPS), Rega ARIA MK3 MM/MC, Black Ice Audio F159, and a Konus Audio Vinyle 1000MC Mark II.

The Konus is the only current sensing unit and the one I like the best. 

Two other current sensing units I would like to try are the Channel D Lino C 2.0 and the Sutherland Little Loco but came across the following:

The Absolute Sound Channel D Lino C 2.0 review excerpt:

Briefly, any phono cable/tonearm combination where twisted-pair-conductor cables are employed and the two conductors are not connected to the turntable (or shield) ground can be used. An example of a tonearm/cable that can’t be used would be a standard Rega ’arm where the shield is connected to one of the outer shells of the RCA, which is also a signal connection.

Stereophile Sutherland Little Loco review excerpt:

Your tonearm wiring must be fully balanced between cartridge and phono preamp, with no connections between any of the tonearm leads and ground. That means that the Little Loco won't work, for example, with your Rega arm, unless it's rewired. 

Has anyone rewired a Rega to work with either?

Thanks everyone!

hleeid

Showing 2 responses by drbond

With an output impedance of 10 ohm, I don’t think this cartridge (Ania Pro) is the best choice for a current-based phono pre-amp. . .

I would recommend upgrading your cartridge: when I had a P8, I never appreciated vinyl more than after I got a Linn Krystal, and then I got a Koetsu Rosewood, which was even better.

@hleeid

If you compared those three phono stages on your system and liked the Konus better, then that sounds like a reasonable upgrade. As others pointed out, the higher impedance will still work in a current base phono stage, but from what I read, it’s not ideal.
During upgrades, I would look to at least double the price of the component being replaced.