@millercarbon -- Sure I'm comparing my just-declared-obsolete Mytek Brooklyn Bridge's moving coil input with a so-old-they've-discovered-them-in-cave-dwellings Moon LP3 dedicated phono stage, but the Mytek makes the Moon come off as tubby, dead and two-dimensional.
Considering an integrated
I’ve been thinking about downsizing my system but am concerned about SQ. I would like to get an all in one integrated (or receiver). New or (slightly) used, tube or SS. It would need a built in phono section (LOMC) and a headphone amp/ jack. I have a budget of maybe up to $10k but would consider going higher if need be. I want to part with everything but my speakers (Zu Def 4), TT and CD player. Obviously I don’t need much power. My concern is mainly the phono section. Sound now is glorious with virtually no ticks or pops. Do you think it’s possible to achieve the same (or better) SQ with a built in phono stage?
Current setup;
Art Audio Carissa (16 wpc)
Art Audio dm- vps
Art Audio Vinyl One