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 2 responses by bkeske

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@smanuel 

I’ve settled at 1,000 and 60db on my Hagerman. I also have 64 & 68 available (nice to have for lower output carts), but the MIMC sounds pretty darn good at 60. 

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

@smanuel

You should also consider a Hagerman Trumpet MC. I have a Soundsmith MIMC, and tried it at 470 and 1,000 (Hagerman has a good range of loading options). I actually prefer 1,000 with the MIMC. On my rig it really allows the MIMC to ‘shine and sparkle’. 470 is just a tad too laid back, but really depends on your other equipment/speakers.

Just keep in mind Peter recommends a minimum of 470, but you can go higher. If I had a variable option on the Hagerman, my feeling is that around 800 might be perfect with the MIMC….on my setup.

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