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 2 responses by jmcgrogan2

jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Dave, see if you can get Classe to install their phono board. I'm using a Classe CP-60 with phono. It is a very nice built in phono board. IMHO, Rowland was the only preamp I've heard that I like the built in phono better. E-mail Armin at Classe and see what he can do. If this is a no go, then I'd just get a phono preamp. Every once in a while you'll see a Klyne SK-2A(?) go on sale on Agon for $200-350. They can't be beat for under $500. In fact, they're hard to beat under a grand. If you can't find or can't wait for one of them, try a McCormack Micro phono drive. You can get a new one from The Stereo Trading Outlet (www.tsto.com) with 3 year warranty for $349 (MSRP $599). My buddy bought one of these and is very happy.

I hope this helped.
John
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Bowbow, you're right. That was said by Music Direct and it is a low blow. Especially considering how many of those units they sold over the years by MD. They've basically told all of their customers that our opinion (MD's) today is meaningless, it could change tomorrow, so don't listen to our opinion. This issue made a big stink at the Asylum. Low class, IMHO. Not that I ever took their (MD) opinion seriously, but some do.

Regards,
John
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