Dover, Apparently the Icon PS1 has a bulit in SUT about which there is much confusion, as you know. We don’t know how they achieve a 100 ohm input R with the built-in SUT, which is said by them to be 1:10. One way to achieve a 100R input impedance with a 1:10 SUT would be to use a 10K resistance on the phono input side instead of the standard 47K. If that is the case, then it would be futile to use an outboard 1:10 SUT (bypassing the internal SUT) in hopes of achieving a 470 ohm net impedance for the Soundsmith MI cartridge. You'd still end up with the cartridge trying to drive 100R. This is assuming that both the MM and the MC inputs feed the same phono circuit. Easiest thing to do is not to buy the Icon.
Does anyone have experience matching an Icon PS1 MKII with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star?
I own Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star LO cartridge. I am looking to purchase an Icon PS1 MKII phono pre. The PS1 uses a passive 10:1 SUT with a fixed 100 ohm impedance for the MC input. The Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star cartridge requires a minimum 470 ohm load. Music Direct is telling me that I should be fine. But I would be interested in hearing from someone who has experience with this actual combination. Thanks.
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Using the SS MIMC with a tube phono doesn’t need to be so involved. The OP can get one of these for LE$$ and either choice is good https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-zesto-audio-leto-1-5-preamp-2017-06-21-preamplifiers
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbbb6a-manley-chinook-limited-edition-phono |
Both the suggestions by @tablejockey are good options. Manley Chinook & Zesto Andros. I've listened to the Andros for a couple of years with a variety of cartridges - it's very good. musical and underrated in my opinion. |
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