2. amps-preamps
  3. 129994-75150

Tube preamp with or without phono stage?

I’m looking to add a preamp to my two channel system. Currently I’m using an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 as the pre fed by a Simaudio Moon 110LP as the phonostage. My amp’s a Benchmark AHB-2 and speakers are Paradigm Persona 3F. The Personas and Benchmark are recent purchases and I’m rebuilding backwards. I’ve been targeting a clear, detailed, neutral and dimensional soundstage. Very low noise and distortion.

I’d now like to add a tube preamp and have a few questions. What are the pros and cons of the phonostage built into the pre vs as a separate? My amp only has balanced in’s but I can use an XLR to RCA adapter if necessary, are there any concerns with using the adapter? Finally, any recommendations up to about $3-5k with some flexibility?

Thanks
jszei

Showing 6 responses by jszei

jszei OP
30 posts
 
I was PM'd with a response I thought I'd share.  One of the benefits would be to eliminate the interface type and cables associated with a separate phono stage.  I see how this could reduce noise and interference.  Another point was that some integrated phono stages can be limited in their ability to change between MM and MC, and issues with gain can result.  I'll need to be careful about this.

Some models I know have a phonostage option I'm considering are:

BAT VK23-SE
Vinnie Rossi LIO

I'm also considering, without an onboard phonostage

Backert Rhumba
Shiit Freya
jszei OP
30 posts
 
If your budget allows it, go for a external phono stage for maximum flexibility

Do you think an external phono stage will diminish the sound quality by requiring additional interfaces and set of cables?
jszei OP
30 posts
 
Take a look at Atma-Sphere MP-3.

Thanks, I hadn't heard of Atma-Sphere before.  Exactly what I'm looking for.
jszei OP
30 posts
 
@dragon_vibe did you have the phono stage in the Atma-Sphere?

It sounds like there can be benefit from using a separate phono stage if that separate is superior to the onboard, and that is dependent on the specific preamp phono stage as well as the separate phono stage which would need to be compared.  The comments so far indicate there is no overall better way of handling the phono stage.

I'm out for highest possible quality within my budget.  I don't have concerns about size or space.  If a pre's phono stage is only around $3-500 additional I can always start there and get a separate at a later date.  However, I think the most important thing is to get the best possible preamp regardless of whether it has an integrated phono stage option, because I'm hearing the integration doesn't bring any quality benefits.
jszei OP
30 posts
 
@atmasphere do you work for Atma-Sphere or is it a naming coincidence?  If so, what's your take on whether there are any sound quality benefits to an integrated phonostage, all things being equal?
jszei OP
30 posts
 
@atmasphere and others, as I'm considering the MP-3 I'd like to ask both your objective and subjective opinions.  What would you consider to be the key specs of both a preamp and phono stage?  My simplistic understanding is low impedance, noise and distortion.

Your website states:
"By incorporating the phono into the preamp, we eliminate the variables of interconnection between the phono section and the line stage and we offer one of the best volume controls available in the industry."

What variables of interconnection are being referred to here?

This is my first tube component.  I'm very familiar with solid state and digital.  I'm interested in finding out what a tube component can do with the sound of both my digital and analog sources.

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