Phonostage for Rega P10


Purchased a Rega P10 and now I'm thinking of upgrading my Rogue Audio Ares phono preamp to the Allnic H-1202.
My understanding regarding the Rega is that its performance is so good, a top shelf phono preamp would serve it well, not that the Rogue is inadequate but I don't have a lot of experience with phono preamps as I've owned only 2 in my life.
Thanks for your feedback.
128x128desalvo55

Showing 5 responses by chakster

Looking at the OP's phono stages i think it's better to replace a cartridge to something first class, but not the phono stages
My understanding regarding the Rega is that its performance is so good, a top shelf phono preamp would serve it well

Are you looking for a phono stage for the actual cartridge or for a turntable for some reason ? Would you like to mention your cartridge specs and type?  





Then you’d better post Apheta 3 specs, i can’t see even the Output of that cartridge on their site, anyone can comment ???  350μV is 0.35 or what ? 

http://www.rega.co.uk/apheta-3.html

Tracking Pressure 1.9 - 2.00g
Input load impedance 100 ohms
Output impedance 10 ohms
Nominal output voltage 350μV
Channel Balance : ≥ 20μV
Separation : ≥ -29dB

Mass 6g

Key Features :

Iron cross & coil assembly 50% smaller than the original Apheta .
One of the world’s smallest MC generators.
Cutting edge neodymium magnet.
Fine Line profile nude diamond stylus.
High specification fine wire.

Load settings for adjustable MC stages

Impedance -100ohm
Capacitance - 1000pF
Gain setting - High (’On’ position for Rega phono stages)


I’m using Gold Note PH-10 with PSU-10 in my system, this phono stage is great if you have a lot of cartridges or at least two tonearms/turntables (like myself), you can connect two MC or two MM at the same time, or MC and MM. It is more flexible for LOMC cartridges with all the loading options and gain options.

If you have just 1 cartridge you don’t need a phono stage like Gold Note in my opinion.


For one cartridge JLTi mk4 or mk5 is much better phono stage than Gold Note PH-10 which is not cheap at all with PSU-10 (power supply). If the budget is not the issue then unused 2nd input on PH-10 (and digital interface) is what you extra pay for.

JLTi Phono stage with one input with gain switch and optional RCA plug load resistors will cost less ($890 / AU$1490)), but the sound is even better. No limits with RCA plug load resistors for LOMC (better than Gold Note). The JLTi can be modified by the manufacturer and after this mod MM cartridge can be unloaded (100k Ohm instead of 47kOhm), you can't do that with Gold Note.