2. analog
  3. 1025497934

Will I benifit form a external phono stage

I currently have a rega p-25 with a benz HO ACE cartridge
My preamp is a Mcintosh c-42 its phono stage is set up for
a MM cartridge thats why I have a HO on the p-25. Will I
notice any sonic inprovement if I was to put a tubed phono
stage (BATvkp5 or Audio Research PH3SE) into a solid state
system. This would allow me to put a LO cartridge on the
rega p-25. Any imput on my quest to improve my analog section is appreciated. thanks David
cylinderking_1

Showing 1 response by jfrech

jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I agree with all the above comments. Being a former rega 25/600 owner and a former BAT P5 owner, that's a great combo, however, your TT is quickly going to be the weak link. In fact, and this is debatable I'm sure, but you may be better off with a better table/arm/cart now, then step up on the phono stage. Maybe keep the arm and go with a Aries, or Gyrodec? Or if you want to keep the rega, tweek it with a new counterweight, platter mat, and speed control.

I loved the heavyweight from Express Machining, the ringmat, and I have heard on Audio Assylum that the VPI motor controller is a huge upgrade.
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