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What's your experience with fine phono preamp s ?



Arthur Salvatore highly recommends the Coincident Technology Statement phono preamp on his blog. I know nothing about Arthur's listening preferences, so can't know why he feels it superior to other phono pre's.

My table is a Technics SP10, arms are Talea and SME with Benz and AirTight cartridges respectively ( phono cable undetermined for SME arm, open to suggestions on a separate thread --to keeps things 'simple' ) My gear is hybrid, with solid state 100 wpc bass amps, 300B and 6SN7 tubes for mids and tweeters, and JL Audio subs for the bottom octave. The CDP and preamp are solid state and very high quality.

Please weigh in on phono pre's between $2 and 7K that you have owned or heard in systems you know well. I don't have a prejudice or preference for solid state or valve gear, and I'm receptive to used equipment.

I DO, however, strongly prefer an 'I am there' presentation, over 'the musicians are in the room' sensation, when the that's in the vinyl. More interested by far in an emotionally engaging ( not distortedly emotional or euphonic ) listening experience than a precise, highly detailed but soul-less presentation.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and shared experience.

Best,

David
cdk84

Showing 3 responses by cdk84

cdk84's avatar
cdk84 OP
70 posts
 

Almarg: If the input impedance is less than around 25 or 30K or so some of the suggested phono stages may not be optimal matches. That may include the EMIA, the Rhea, the Herron, and possibly the Allnic. On the other hand, if the preamp's input impedance is say 47K or higher impedance compatibility would be a non-issue with pretty much any reasonably designed phono stage.

This gear is the Aurum Acoustics Integris CDP system. Input impedance is listed as 25 kOhms unbalanced, 48 kOhms balanced.

IC length will be as short as possible; the phono pre will be on a preloaded Vibraplane as close to the Technics as possible.

Thank you. I look forward to learning more with auditioning. Still open to suggestions and personal experience.
cdk84's avatar
cdk84 OP
70 posts
 

Hi Stringreen, Zd542, BPoletti, Jmcgrogan2, Rcprince, Dopogue,Dinster, Lewm, Almarg, Mapman, Bifwynne, Lak and Jperry,

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience and opinions. I really appreciate it.

I've taken your suggestions into account and have a much better informed idea on where to look for my phono pre. I'll post in another thread about what I choose, how it interfaces with my gear and if I like it.

Very Best to Each of You,

David
cdk84's avatar
cdk84 OP
70 posts
 

Having corresponded with Dave Slagle, I don't know how he would feel about my posting prices for his SUTs. Each would be designed for the two cartridges (Allnic PC1 Supreme and Benz LP-S) I use in my system, because they have very output. Suffice it to say he has been very responsive and helpful via email. I will add that your observation that "they're probably not cheap" is likely to be accurate --wallet dependent, of course.

Thank you very much to everyone for their suggestions. Decision is still pending, as it's a big one for me. I generally aim to make a single purchase and make it as good as I can with the goal of not often having to repeat. You know how goals can be, though...
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