2. analog
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Phono Input or new Phono preamp?

Some of you may have been following my recent post regarding my foray into Analog. After much consideration and loads of helpful advice, I have decided to purchase my first Turntable setup.

The turntable is going to be a VPI Classic I and I am seriously considering the Dynavector 20XH Cartridge. My current Amp/Pre is a Musical Fidelity KW-500 Integrated and a pair of Focal/JMLab 1027be speakers.

The Phono input on the KW-500 is MM (2.5mV - can't seem to find the gain figure published anywhere). From what people have advised so far, this input should be able to handle either a MM or a MCHO cartridge. With the Dynavector 20XH rated at 2.8mV, it seems like a good match but again, I'm completely new to this.

Because the KW-500 was such a limited production piece (500 units), there is very little mention of it's performance as a phono preamp anywhere else on the net. My concern is that I don't want my existing phono input on the KW to be the weakest link in the analog chain right out of the gate. If this is the case, I'd really like to consider the possibility of a dedicated Phono preamp.

I'm looking for opinions on whether you all think I could get a better preamp for somewhere in the $500-$800 range than what I can currently get out of my KW-500 phono input. If I WAS to go with a dedicated phono pre, I would likely also then have the option of going with a MCLO cartridge (ie. Dynavector 20X 1mv Special). Does the 20x 1mV tend to fare more favorably than the 20XH (2.8mV)? In what ways does it's sound vary (for anyone with first hand knowledge of the two)?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

-gh0st
fatgh0st

Showing 1 response by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
My system includes two elements that are close to yours. The first is a VPI scout and the second are JM Focal Electra 936s. I can only tell you that I own bought the table and the Dynevector 20XH. I put it thru a Graham Slee Graham Amp 2SE made for MM. It has more than adequate gain for this cartridge. I can't imagine a phono input on an integrated that doesn't specify if the phono input is for MC or MM. If you choose the dedicated Phono stage the Graham Slee is wonderful but believe it or not there is a ton ofcompetition.
Since I am so happy with the set up that I recommend that you actually consider trying a tube power amp and a tube preamp. Note the Graham is all SS BTW.
Almost everyone who hears this set up finds it as good as I do. I also owned MF and using Chinese Monobloc tube amps Consonance Cyber 800s and a cheap little AES AE-3 with great 6SN7s. Turned my system in an unmitigated pleasure and I found my nirvana.
To answer your question however I recommend the 20 X HO and the MF's phono input first and take it from there.
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