2. analog
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Phono preamp advice.

Hi all, I am a new convert to the beauties of LPs. I recently got a MMF7 TT and a Phonomena phonopre. Reading some of the posts here I have noticed that some "in-the'know" folks mention that the phonopre is pretty important. I am meditating a move to the Audio Research PH line and am wondering whether it would be a significant upgrade from my Phonomena. The rest of my gear is a Pass X1 pre to Brystons 7bsst. Feeding B&W 802 S3s. I was hoping for something under 2K if possible. I listen, mostly, to classical and jazz. Any other phonopre recommendations would be welcomed also.
Although I do listen to CDs I am a bit amazed at the musicality I hear from analog.
Thank you.
lachobba

Showing 5 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
I'm unfamiliar with the Phonomena but I agree with PhilD. That TT (arm? cart?) is well below the rest of your system.

The best phono stage in the world won't improve a signal that isn't reaching it in the first place. Upgrading your source first helps control results and - very important - the cartridge may determine which phono stage to choose. Choosing a phono stage first often limits your cartridge selections.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Lachobba, I don't know if the Pro-Silway or Wireworld are shielded. Many interconnects are not. I'm sure their websites would say, but this is actually a red herring.

My system doesn't even require a phono cable. Many high end tonearms include a hard-wired cable, so don't spend big money on one until you're sure you're going to need it.

The source-first argument applies here too: the world's best phono cable can't improve a signal. I doubt either of your existing cables would hinder the music as much as your present source components. This is also what Psychicanimal is saying, in his inimitable way. :)
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Lachobba, it was perfectly sensible to test the waters before diving in. Before buying a new TT/arm/cart I plugged my 25 year old low-fi rig into my new, higher end system. Just as for you, enough of the magic came through that there was no turning back. As for what the new rig does, don't get me started... :)

There's no denying the PIA factor. Sunday evening I spent three hours at the kitchen sink scrubbing my latest acquisitions. But as you say, "the sound is so bloody good..."

Check out the recent 'Analog under $2K' thread for some ideas. Local shops and vinyl-philes are valuable too, if you can find them. Don't forget to enjoy the music while you hunt!
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Lachobba, :)!

BTW, most people prefer a shielded phono cable between TT and phono stage. That very low level signal needs protection. If you're happy with the clarity of low level details already, don't bother, but it's difficult to judge without hearing another cable. This is one of those areas where you'll never know what you're missing until you hear it. That happened to me when I upgraded TT/arm/cart - there's information in those grooves that my old rig never dreamed of playing.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
PA, seems like another person doing things backwards. We all know the hierarchy should be TT/arm/cart. I admit I ran my $1500 MC on a 25-year old POS TT/arm, but only for a couple of weeks until my Teres/OL showed up.

Arafel, totally agree about c-j (check my system). But Lachobba needs to improve her front-end more. From what she just said, maybe a lot more! ;)
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