2. analog
  3. 1425506299

Musical Fidelity A5 Phono Stage

Need some advice. My rig is:

Pro-ject Debut Carbon with 2M Blue, Herbie Mat, isolation table, feet, etc. speed controller.
Musical Fidelity Integrated A5 amp
B&W 804N speakers

the analog rig is performing pretty well. Some albums are epic, some are just ok. par for the vinyl course i suppose.

I'm trying to get everything to full potential and i'm concerned with the integrated phono stage. it has a bit of 60 cycle hum when the volume is turned up past about 10 o'clock; much higher to achieve similar volume on other inputs. (yes, even with the turntable off).

I'm considering an upgrade. probably SS. my concern with tubes is maybe a loss in clarity. i love tubes but not sure this is the best place to put them with such a delicate signal.

I see a turntable upgrade in the next 12 months so i dont mind the phono stage outperforming the table at this point. would probably be on a $500 budget, but would be open to a used stage.

any suggestions?

Cheers
kevindh

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kevindh's avatar
kevindh OP
7 posts
 
yesterday my buddy loaned me an '83 Audible Illusions Modulus MkII tube preamp/phono stage. while there was more 60 cycle hum and maybe a slight drop in detail, the improvement in dynamics, ceiling, soundstage, dimension, etc was staggering.

I realize i changed 2 variables (phono stage and preamp) but have to believe the phono stage was dramatically better, so i'm on the prowl for a reasonably priced phono tube stage and could use some input.

i'm currently targeting either the

Tube Box DS
http://www.project-audio.com/main.ph...=boxes&lang=en

or modding a Yaqin
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/lez/Yaq...n%20MS-22B.pdf

I build Marshall plexis for fun so I'm tempted by the latter. something cool about having a hand in your tone.

Suggestions/input?
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