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
sandthemall
544 posts
 
Another vote for the Hagerman Trumpet MC. In the past, I've had noise and hum driving MC carts at 60db...even with an outboard linear power supply. The Hagerman Trumpet MC is quiet. I recently tried an AT33PTGII at 68db gain. Quiet...and very punchy. I now have dialed it back an run it at 64db. One of the best things is the front panel-mounted control knobs for load and gain. This is so important to go back and forth between settings to hear what works best. I'm hearing that the Hagerman is embarrassing near to the Herron VTPH-2A at less than half the price. It's a very organic, full, tubey presentation with stock tubes and responds well to tube rolling to tailor the sound to your needs.
avanti1960
1,473 posts
 

Sutherland 20 20 is awesome and has flexible loading.  

Of more importance is your VTA using the Soundsmith on the Rega arm.  You should consider adding shims to raise the tonearm 3mm or so, rega carts are only 14mm tall.  

add shims so that the top of the headshell is perfectly level with the platter. 

smanuel OP
6 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr The review you linked to was one reason why I'm going down this path. NG impression of the RP-5 phono stage has been mine as well. I thought a SUT would help; it has but at the cost that was pointed out in the review (and the loss of shine and sparkle that @bkeske mentioned).

smanuel OP
6 posts
 

@avanti1960 The Sutherland 20 20 is growing on me (it's physical size would be a great benefit given my limited rake space). Regarding shimming: I've avoided that for some time now giving the hassle of doing it. However, I'm currently using a 3mm Funk Firm Acromat and I'm pretty sure this is throwing off the SRA. And besides, I purchased the Grovetracer counter weight specifically for shimming I have no reason not to.

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