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 rodman99999

rodman99999
6,206 posts
 

     Don’t forget: whatever interconnects you use (and their impedance), will be in series between the cartridge and phono pre, as well.

     Were I in your shoes: the MCP-2, with it’s variable loading feature, would be my choice.

                       Especially since you’re using a Soundsmith cartridge.

     Though another, in here, may have already been down that path and can offer an opinion; you’ll only REALLY know if it’s, "worthwhile", to your ears, by trying it in your own system/listening environment.

More to discover