I have the following system : VPI Scout turntable with Ben Micro Ace (high output) cartridge, MF A1008 amplifier and ProAc Response D25 speakers. I am using the built-in phono stage. Often in the audio press there are disparaging views on phono stages that come as part of the amplifier and the general recommendation is to purchase a stand-alone stage. I'm curious as to how well the phono stage in the MF A1008 is rated and whether I should consider a stand-alone phono stage as my next upgrade. If so, some phono stage recommendations would be helpful.
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Hi borat58, & welcome to the Forum!
I have not yet had a chance to look at or hear the phono section in the MF.
As far as generalizing the performance of phono sections when they are integrated within the chassis of pre-amps or amps.......
I think the included phono-pre has earned an unfair rep from a time in the 90's being considered a cheap after-thought type of feature that was thrown into integrated amps more to meet a required list of features rather than add true value to a product. But remember that the phono-pre section in some of the receivers from the 70’s & 80’s are to this day some of the better examples out there. Units like the Advent 300 (which I owned), Kenwood C1 along with anything in the Yamaha CA-xxx, Sansui AU-xxx, Pioneer SA-xxx range will provided an excellent phono stage by anybody’s standard.
I currently run a vintage Carver C-19 pre-amp with an integrated phono-pre. I feel, as do others that have heard it, that it performs as well as any stand-alone unit you could find for $1k.
These days, equipment seems to be more specialized & there are many V good phono-pre units on the market.
Do you have a preference as to SS or valve?
Are you considering using low output carts which require SU transformers?
What is the projected budget you are working with? -
borat for what its worth, I wouldnt dissmiss built in phono stages. I have had good experience with a few of uk brands that have indeed made some good effort with phono stages. with musical fidelity both the a5 integrated and a5cr pre amp actually have very decent phono stages. to the point I actually found the phono stage built in better than the stand alone x-lp2 phono stage musical fidelity also had around that time. eventually I ended up upgrading phono carts and turntable and also moved to a audio research ph5 which is a lot more costly. to that end I would say the phono stage built in the musical fidelity amps probably better than the stand alone quality base model phono stages and unless going to a much higher end costlier phono stage the inbuilt one should be pretty happy with
"Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."Comment
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There many V good phono-pre's out there in that range.
About the only thing better that I am aware of would be the Manley Chinook, but it is a budget-buster at ~ $2250.
At the level you are in, it becomes an issue more of how your current system sounds, and your own personal preferences.
Whether your system is detailed, warm or natural, it would be about finding a synergy with the new phono-pre that put the character of your system in the direction of your preference.
Maybe try posting over at the vinyl asylum. I would expect some of the folks over will have some V good advice on specific units.Last edited by wkhanna; 24 May 2013, 10:22 Friday.Comment
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Phono stages are a weird thing. Personal taste and synergy diffidently comes into play. I've been threw a couple. My Parasound P3 had internal stage that I thought sounded good. I got the upgrade bug and bought a CA 640P and shortly afterwards gave it to a friend. I recently purchased a MF A5Pre, it also has an internal stage. I found that I did not like it, not to say it is bad. It did work for me. Once again taste and synergy come into play. My current phono amp is a Sutherland Insight. The jury is still out.JayComment
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Well there you go ! I thought the inbuilt phono in the a5 pre pretty decent. But goes to show always better out there. Can always get something better suit your tastes and needs.
To add to my previous comments, I used the mf xlps for some years, then getting mf a5cr pre found the inbuilt phono in that better. Then upgrading Turntables and cartridges moved to the arc ph5 tube phono stage that works well with the a5 and quite a bit better than anything I used before. And would wanna be given it as much as the a5 !"Technology is a drug. We can't get enough of it."Comment
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Hi all,
I wish to run my Linn Sondek with my 1098/1070/1075
Can anyone recommend a good match for a phono stage?
I know Rotel have done phono stages in the past, any good?
I can also at the moment buy second hand a RC990BX & RB990BX combo... -
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