2. amps-preamps
  3. 176614-122223

Is a separate phono pre really necessary?

I have an upgraded Rega P3 that is now essentially a P6 (groove tracer subplatter and counter weight, Rega Neo ps) that has a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC star mounted on it. It is then connected to a Park Audio Budgie Ten SUT and then to a Rogue Audio RP-5 preamp.

This question is about the phono stage in the RP-5. Would upgrading to a separate phone preamp of around $1,000 to $2,000 be a worthwhile upgrade from the internal phone preamp in the RP-5? And if so which phone pre do you guys recommend (notwithstanding all the caveats about subjectivity). I'm thinking of the soundsmith mcp-2, PS audio stellar phono, parasound jc3 jr., maybe a Manley Chinook if I can find a good deal.

The wrinkle is the loading requirements for the zephyr mimic star: >= 470 ohms. This makes a lot of phone preamps really not suitable for this cartridge (hence premaps with adjustable loading via a pot) because of the static loading options are mostly well below 470 ohms on most phono preamps

smanuel

Showing 1 response by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,382 posts
 

I had the RP-5 and used its internal phono stage with Hana EL cartridge. I was not impressed. I switched to MoFi UltraPhono and it was slightly better but still not what I was looking for (exciting sound but kind of flat in the soundstage department) so I returned it and bought a Sutherland KC Vibe MkIi. Very happy with it. The Hana cartridge calls for >400ohn loading and the Sutherland is perfect at 475. A very notable step up from what Rogue includes in the RP-5  

The Vibe MkII loading options include 100, 200, 475, 1k or 47kOhms. 
It’s quiet, resolving and very natural sounding. Build quality is top notch.  
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. 

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