2. analog
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Phono preamp advice.

Hi all, I am a new convert to the beauties of LPs. I recently got a MMF7 TT and a Phonomena phonopre. Reading some of the posts here I have noticed that some "in-the'know" folks mention that the phonopre is pretty important. I am meditating a move to the Audio Research PH line and am wondering whether it would be a significant upgrade from my Phonomena. The rest of my gear is a Pass X1 pre to Brystons 7bsst. Feeding B&W 802 S3s. I was hoping for something under 2K if possible. I listen, mostly, to classical and jazz. Any other phonopre recommendations would be welcomed also.
Although I do listen to CDs I am a bit amazed at the musicality I hear from analog.
Thank you.
lachobba

Showing 3 responses by psychicanimal

psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
PIA factor? That's exactly why I have the creature on steroids*. Quartz locked direct drive, electric brake, simple to set up, on the fly VTA adjustment, service manual & parts availability, stylus illuminating light, 33/45 RPM at the touch of a button, solid construction & reliability, FUN TO USE. Its excellent sonic performance is just a fringe benefit...

* Technics SL-1200MKII with KAB modifications.

***
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
The Olympic committee? No-the belt drive committee! You will see rt over and over and over: someone buying a belt drive TT and then spending MORE money on upgrading cartridge, tonearm wires, phono preamp. Truth is their platters are *uncapable* of delivering the goods. Fifty percent of the music is in the record--the other 50% (the time domain axis) is the platter's responsibility.

One of the KAB 1200 mods is an outboard power supply. The change has been so dramatic that I wonder how those flimsy belt drives that rely on house AC power to regulate the speed perform at all! If the motor is not servo driven the speed will change as the belt stretches. It's a real mess--don't let anyone fool you. The music will not sound crisp and alive.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Dougdeacon, you have NO idea what I just did this past weekend: I installed a $300 cartridge on a belt drive TT that's not worth $20. The cartridge was picked by Audiogon's analog--and Teres--guru! That Fritz Geiger knife is going to carve those records pretty good--and in the process get dull *real* fast! Hey, what can I do--this person has heard my creature on steroids several times and hasn't learned from me. I'll wait till he complains about record wear. I'll have some extra strength Advil gelcaps ready...
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