2. amps-preamps
  3. 176614-122223

Is a separate phono pre really necessary?

I have an upgraded Rega P3 that is now essentially a P6 (groove tracer subplatter and counter weight, Rega Neo ps) that has a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC star mounted on it. It is then connected to a Park Audio Budgie Ten SUT and then to a Rogue Audio RP-5 preamp.

This question is about the phono stage in the RP-5. Would upgrading to a separate phone preamp of around $1,000 to $2,000 be a worthwhile upgrade from the internal phone preamp in the RP-5? And if so which phone pre do you guys recommend (notwithstanding all the caveats about subjectivity). I'm thinking of the soundsmith mcp-2, PS audio stellar phono, parasound jc3 jr., maybe a Manley Chinook if I can find a good deal.

The wrinkle is the loading requirements for the zephyr mimic star: >= 470 ohms. This makes a lot of phone preamps really not suitable for this cartridge (hence premaps with adjustable loading via a pot) because of the static loading options are mostly well below 470 ohms on most phono preamps

smanuel
rodman99999
6,032 posts
 

     Don’t forget: whatever interconnects you use (and their impedance), will be in series between the cartridge and phono pre, as well.

     Were I in your shoes: the MCP-2, with it’s variable loading feature, would be my choice.

                       Especially since you’re using a Soundsmith cartridge.

     Though another, in here, may have already been down that path and can offer an opinion; you’ll only REALLY know if it’s, "worthwhile", to your ears, by trying it in your own system/listening environment.

ihcho's avatar
ihcho
609 posts
 

I've had a few preamps with a built-in phono: Rogue Magnum 99, BAT VK-30, Plinius MP16-P, and Audible Illusions M3B.

All those built-in phonos were just OK, but not comparable to Allnic H1202 and Magi phonomenal in my system,

Magi is actually better than MM of Allnic.  Magi + Sound Tradition SUT is better than MC of Allnic.

My cartridges are Ortofon MC20 super, Ortogn SPUs, Denon DL103, AT150 mlx, ...

Not all $1000-$2000 phono pres are equal. Some may be just about the same as your built-in phono. Magi costs $1000, but I am not sure whether it is still being made.

rsf507
2,233 posts
 

For 2k the Gold Note PH-10 is an amazing, very flexible phono pre. Should work with almost any cartridge MM or MC because of its flexibility. Do a search you will find over a dozen reviews online. Sound wise I love it!

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,017 posts
 

I prefer a tubed phono stage, so i opt for a separate. There are not too many tubed phono stages built into integrated amps. Most use the tubes in the line out sections only. 

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