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Dedicated phono-pre for MM only?

Hi All,
the subject of phono-pres, specifically 'adapted' to MM came up in some related postings.

IF, and only if, MMs are much to ones liking --- why spend your buck on some 'halve backed' 60dB plus, MC gain requirement, stage? Why not consider put the $$$ into a TOP 40dB gain stage of either SS or tube?

Raul had more thoughs on the subject as he mentioned before, and might share, why he knows that a TOP MM compared to MC stage circuit requirement might NOT be -one suit fits all-.

There could even be a nice argument to fit a tube gain stage only into an otherwise SS only system!?

Again, the $buck saved on the 20dB plus circuitry could be translated into the BEST circuit for an MM.
I realise, that most such stages were simply fitted inside some older TOP pre-amps, (e.g. Jadis...).
I have not come across a **dedicated** , current 40dB stage neither in nor outside a pre-amp.

Thank you,
Axel
axelwahl

Showing 2 responses by pryso

pryso
1,973 posts
 
Hi Axel and Lew. I'll go out on a limb and recommend a unit I've not yet heard. One of my local audio buddies (he introduced me to Raul, literally during a visit) who has since built up a stable of at least two dozen MM carts uses a phono stage from Emotive Audio. Apparently the good folks at EA, while normally designing tube gear, feel nothing they've found betters this ss design. I hope to hear it for myself soon as my friend is a very observant listener.

Since the JLTi was mentioned, I'm using one with a custom, fully regulated power supply. It offers selectable 40/60 dB output so is not a dedicated unit but has beat out a few other ss and tube phono units with my Grado Reference.

Your findings should be interesting so I'll keep watch of this thread.
pryso
1,973 posts
 
Hi Lew. I can solder but have no ability to design circuits.

I previously used a Threshold FET-10 (a unit I still endorse and a great bargain at $7-800) and an audio buddy built a regulated power supply for that for me. I changed to the JLTi mainly because it offers external gain and loading selection, but when he converted the RPS to my JLTi (which started life with a wall-wart), it offered some audible benefits as well. So yes it is custom and no I don't have a schematic.

The same friend with the EA phono stage just picked up an AT 170(something), one high on Raul's list.

Good luck in finding a few of these "hidden gems".
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