2. amps-preamps
  3. 1281688565

A phono amp that beats the MFA Magus's phono?

I've been using the phono stage on my MFA Magus for the last year and, overall, I like it pretty well, but I'm wondering if I could get more out of a dedicated phono amp. Can anyone suggest a stand-alone phono amp that would improve over the sound of the Magus's phono stage? I'm hoping to buy in the 1k-2k range, used.

The Magus is part of a small phono-only system that includes Wright Monoblocks (3.5 watts), a Rega P5 TT with a Koetsu Black cart, and Reference 3a MM DeCapo i speakers bi-wired with Kimber Kable 4TC cable. It's a small, sensitive, all-tube system that has a lot of air, tight but somewhat thin bass, and slightly etched-sounding highs. The mids sound nicely liquid to my ears. This is my second system, and it's in a small office (10x8) with wood floors and walls.

One possibility is the EAR 834P. It has volume controls, which would be nice, because then I could take the Magus out of the signal path altogether, since I only use a TT in this system. I've never heard an 834P though, and there are no high end audio stores within 90 miles of where I live, so my chances for auditioning gear are rare.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
128x128klein_rogge
grinnell
661 posts
 
What about looking for a Wright phono?
thorman
1,262 posts
 
If you don't want to go tubes the JLTI ( Vacuum State ) is tubelike ( with exc. bass ) in sound and a great Phono amp in your pricerange......
newbee
4,093 posts
 
I have a Magus also so I have a few questions for you to consider before you get another pre-amp.

1) You are using a MC cartridge (I assume - I don't know the Koetsu Black). Have you used resistors to match its output impedance (plug in types)? If not that could be your problem.

2) Have you played with the phono and output stage tubes in the Magus? Perhaps all you need is something warm in the line stage tube - try a cheap new JJ 6dj8 for example, and or some Mullard 12AX7's in the phono stage. That would warm it up in the highs and fill out the bass.

3) Have you optimized VTA on your turntable? That could be also be a cause or solution to your problem.

That Magus is a nice little pre-amp...........:-) BTW, you say you want a dedicated phono stage. What will you use for a pre-amp to drive your amps?
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
for 1 to 2k....no. the magus still is incredible.
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