2. amps-preamps
  3. 186633-119951

Tradeoffs of external phono stages?

 

This is a bit of a YMMV question, but here it is:

I have had an Audible Illusions Modulus 3 with internal MM phono stage since the mid aughts, and I’ve been quite happy with it. Looking down the road, I’m thinking I’ll need to replace it one way or another. It’s pushing 30 years old and I’ve heard that it’s hard to get these units serviced (in a reasonable amount of time, at any rate). That said, it’s been a fantastic value. I didn’t pay much for it used, and it’s been completely reliable. I’ve just replaced the tubes every few years. I haven’t auditioned different preamps separately, but my system sounds really good. I’m using this preamp with good equipment - a Sota Sapphire with a dynavector cartridge, a DIY First Watt M2 clone for amplification, Naim NDS streamer, and a changing cast of vintage British speakers: Tannoy Monitor Golds and Quad ESL 57s. With acoustic music, the analog source outperforms the streamer.

Anyways, the question I’m reaching for is whether buying line and phono stages separately is cost effective… as a rule. With separates, you’re buying two chassis, another set of interconnects and so on. Maybe having a separate power supply for the phono stage is a built in advantage? With something like an AI Modulus delivering so much bang for the buck, I just don’t see it. If my trusty Modulus were to go out of commission now, I’d probably be looking at a used Rogue Audio preamp with a built in MM phono stage - maybe a 99 magnum. If you’re serious about vinyl, does this approach make sense?

alex_sokoloff
ghdprentice
6,469 posts
 

If you want the best possible sound, then separates. If you are looking for cost effective, then combined. The two worlds of objectives are worlds apart. This is an easy choice.

 

The highest level components separate each stage and component. So high end components will be monoblocks amps (or even 4 box… two power supplies and two amp sections), the very best preamps are generally two box… the power supply separate from the preamp circuits. Each stage of consolidation reduces cost and fidelity. For those interested in cost effective… they choose the integrated solutions… for those interested in the best possible sound, then lots of boxes.

 

I have owned a great integrated preamp late 1970’s Audio Research, then in the ‘80s moved to a separate Phonostage,.. then up the quality of separate phono stage that Audio Research offered until their current Reference 3SE phono stage ($17K)… completely worth the money… what it makes my Linn LP12 / Koetsu sound like. I want the best possible sound… I am getting it.

theflattire
134 posts
 

Separates.

You can’t pack a $3k phono stage into a $3k pre.

I thought my system was great until I got a good dedicated phono stage.

All my records were like remasters!

Phono stage is the heart of your vinyl system.

My phono stage (Modwright PH9.0) cost more than my amp.

Is it cost effective? No.  I'm betting it sounds better than most on board stages.

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

I have a Modulus 3 from 20 years back and a while back I was curious to see if they were still in business. They are in business and will upgrade the 3 to m.c. and you can trade in an old 3 for a 3b. Not suggesting that you do this, but the Audible Illusion 3 sure has legs.

inna
7,138 posts
 

What tubes do you use ? With better tubes your old trusty preamp with phono stage might sound much better. Also, power cord and interconnects. I would not rush to replace what you have unless you exhausted its potential.

You could in addition to the above buy some inexpensive used phono stage, say, older Allnic or Manley and compare it to your AI phono. But the cables and cords should be good or you might get wrong results. And tubes.

But yeah, others said it, ideally separate is better.

inna
7,138 posts
 

Or EAR phono stage.

More to discover