2. analog
  3. 1044041084

Turntable and Phono Stage Help Needed

I'm thinking of taking the plunge into analog. My current system is:

Arcam CD92
HT Pro-Silway II
Classe 150CAP integrated (no phono)
Synergistic Research Sig. 2 Cables
Audio Physic Virgo III

While I want to give analog another go, I don't want to break the bank. Say $1,500 for the whole setup (I am fine with both new or used). I'd appreciate help with two issues.

1) What turntable/arm/cartridge? Since I don't remember much about turntables, ease of use would be important. Also, assuming I would give up something at this price point in terms of sonics, I would prefer a slightly warmer presentation to a forward or brighter sound. I'm leaning towards a Music Hall MMF-7 which seems to be available for approx. $850 new.

2) What do you recommend for a phono stage? FYI, with the push of a button, the amp and preamp can be separated on the Classe. In other words, there is an option to either buy a preamp and use only the amp of the Classe or buy a phono stage only eg Lehmann Black Cube and use the preamp and amp of the Classe.

Thanks for your responses.
Dave
milo

Showing 1 response by bowbow

bowbow
123 posts
 
If that comment was made by Music Direct; all I can say is I am tired of dealers who trash products they don't sell, before they tell you all about the supposedly better stuff they do sell.

There are lots of fine phono stages at every price point.

If they did say it, I'll never buy from them. To paraphrase the comment....There are too many other dealers at that price point that are better (more honest).

Many audiogon posters are also guilty of this when making recommendations.
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