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Is it time for a phono stage?

I've been back into vinyl for a year now after almost a 40 year break and love it. Started with about 180 and now have around 800. The problem I find is it is hard to listen to equipment before buying. My system is a Mac MA6600 integrated,VPIPrime with Ortofon 2M black and a set of Revel F-30. Most of the equipment I've purchased has been based on reviews and reputation. I'm looking to spend in the 2-4k range and am leaning towards tubes. Current choices are The Chinook and the Herron ftph-2. I also was thinking about the Asthetix Rhea but was told it might not be a good match due to the Mac's input impedance being low. Honestly a lot of the technical stuff can be overwhelming but I know it's important. Looking for advice. Thanks.
rkbcpa55
rkbcpa55 OP
11 posts
 
For the time being I plan to stay with the MAC. However I do see going to separate Amp Preamp in the future. That being said I would anticipate not going with one with a built in phono stage so I want one that is flexible. I appreciate all the responses to date. I plan to attend the NY audio show in Westchester in November hoping to be able to listen to various setups.
miner42
698 posts
 
Tough decision. I have a McIntosh C2300 preamp and was looking for an outboard phono stage but I could not find anything under $3500 that could better the Mc's adjustable on-the-fly (with remote) phono stage. My turntable is a VPI Aries 3 with 3D arm and Ortofon Cadenza Black MC cartridge.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
We make a full function preamp, the UV-1, that falls in this price range...
rkbcpa55 OP
11 posts
 
Miner42. have you tried any separate phono pre yet. My amp also has a built in MM phono which some have told me is pretty good. However without comparing it to a separate phono pre there is no way or me to know.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
I will make this easy for you. GO WITH THE MANLEY CHINOOK! You will not be disappointed.
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