Good solid state pre-amp with decent built in mc phono stage

[windup600]

Does anybody know of a decent solid state pre-amp which has a decent in built mc phono stage in it that actually works well or does one always need to buy an outboard? Is it worth saving up for a Music First pre amp and then if I should do this, what phono stage goes well with this pre amp? Thanks

 

[Gromit]

I know I'm biased

but Exposure always did some very good pre-amps with excellent phono stages. You could search out a used XVII (self-powered) or if one comes up (mine may well do in a month or so if the valve thing works out) an XI with IX power supply.

Just a thought - I know what I like music/sound wise but my product knowledge ain't that vast.

 

[Umberto]

Bow does a pre amp with built in phono stage....Leonard Smalls has one.

 

[musicbox]

There might be something hi-end japanese that fits the bill - Luxman or Accuphase that sort of thing but won't be cheap. Also some older Krell Preamps have phono stages.

Why not valves? There are easily obtainable options from Audio Research SP range or EAR 864.

 

[Ant]

Musical Fidelity A308CR, the phono stage in that is great for an inbuilt unit.

However for the real deal a well matching step up transformer mated to a good RIAA stage is what you need to go for.

 

[The Strat]

I think you can order the Arcam pre-amp with a built in phono stage. Don' Rotel do one as well?

 

[uzzy]

Naim, Meridian 500 series.

If i was a moving coil man I would go for an offboard and then buy the best line stage pre you can find. The reduction in cost of production through not having to build in a phono stage usually means more for your money.

Uzzy

 

[yoda900]

YBA 1

No remote andwith two volume controls for left and right to keep chanels completely seperate.

Offboard power supply with umbilical to keep tranny away from the pre.

MM stage built in with dedicated and matching plug in MC transformer in its own shielded box that plugs directly onto the RCA inputs on the back of thr pre for the MM stage so no need for extra cables. Just plug the arm cables into the box.

Built when vinyl was the main source so optimised as a vinyl pre.

Built like an old Krell in build and finish, subtle grey/blue anodized (apart from the gold badge)

Looks like new and cost about £3K in 1988 ! compared favourably to the Rowland Model 2. which was still a top model in 1995.

 

[Mr Coherent]

Belles A28 or Belcanto pre2p both are superb, extremely musical, dynamic, natural and involving.

 

[dudywoxer]

http://www.rega.co.uk/html/cursa.htm

 

[technobear]

Phono boards are available for the ATC CA2

 

[Effem]

Advance Acoustics MPP-205

Switchable MM/MC input, remote control, balanced outs, nice finish. Not shabby in the sounds stakes. Price is nice too

http://www.hollandlink.nl/hifi/home-EN.htm

 

[The Strat]

dudywoxer wrote:

http://www.rega.co.uk/html/cursa.htm

Good call.