I have a full function pre-amp with two pretty good phono stages. I also have a stand along phono pre amp. They all sound great but I've notice some MC cartridges do better with my stand along and a SUT than thru the full function pre amp and it's MC section. Even with MM cartridges, it seems to be really up to the cartridge where it's happiest. The devices are a Mcintosh C2500 and a Jolida JD-9.
Separates vs Integrated and Separate phono stage vs preamp with phono
I've had a few preamps with built-in phono: Rogue Magnum 99, BAT vk30, Audible Illusions M3b (both MM and MC), and Plinius M16P. I've heard users comparing them with 1K+ separate phono stages and saying they are as good as separate 1K+ phono preamps. They were all OK on my system, but still not as good as my MAGI phonomenal (a tube phono preamp with two MM inputs at $1K) or Allnic H1202 MM/MC. Now, I am not considering any preamps with built-in phono for my future upgrades.
Is it really hard to make the phono section of preamps with built-in phono (at under $6K) as good as very good separate phonos at $1K ~ $3K?
I wonder whether users who prefer separate pre/power amps over integrated amps have the similar kinds of experience. Integrated amps (as built-in preamp) can't be just as good as separated power and pre amps at comparable price range?
Is it really hard to make the phono section of preamps with built-in phono (at under $6K) as good as very good separate phonos at $1K ~ $3K?
I wonder whether users who prefer separate pre/power amps over integrated amps have the similar kinds of experience. Integrated amps (as built-in preamp) can't be just as good as separated power and pre amps at comparable price range?