2. analog
  3. 167940-158289

Step up transformer or upgrade phono preamp?

So I’m looking to further develop my analog system. I currently have a vpi Aries scout with a jmw9 tonearm and a Soundsmith zephyr MIMC star going into a Vincent pho 701. I enjoy the sound I’m getting but I am constantly looking for “better”. More dynamics, higher resolution etc. I know my phono pre is the weak link in that lineup and I’m wanting to upgrade. So what are your thoughts? Upgrade the phonostage or invest into a separate SUT? 
james1911

Showing 2 responses by nandric

nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
It depends from the output of your cart(s). 60 dB amplification is
certainly not sufficient for low output carts (bellow 0,3 mV). 
I would recomend Denon AU-S1. Excelent SUT for about $1000
second hand (new $3000). It is 40 Ohms but can be used by each
low outpur cart indempendant from its impedance. 


nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
The assertion is that MM phono-pre is more easy to make than
(complex) MC -pre. The other is ''the higher the amplification the
higher distortions''. $ 600 preamp does not imply ''bad preamp''. 
There are ''only MM'' kinds. SUT like Denon S1 can improve
the sound of an ''poor man'' system. In addition Denon produced
a speical cartridge for this SUT because of SUT's succes. The
cart is DL-S1 and can be get for less than $1000. 

More to discover