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 ihcho

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 

I've had a few preamps with a built-in phono: Rogue Magnum 99, BAT VK-30, Plinius MP16-P, and Audible Illusions M3B.

All those built-in phonos were just OK, but not comparable to Allnic H1202 and Magi phonomenal in my system,

Magi is actually better than MM of Allnic.  Magi + Sound Tradition SUT is better than MC of Allnic.

My cartridges are Ortofon MC20 super, Ortogn SPUs, Denon DL103, AT150 mlx, ...

Not all $1000-$2000 phono pres are equal. Some may be just about the same as your built-in phono. Magi costs $1000, but I am not sure whether it is still being made.

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