Best integrated amp with phono and pre out?


Hi,

I'm downgrading - at least in the meantime. I'm looking for a good integrated amp that comes with a phono stage AND a pre out. This integrated amp must be able to serve both as an integrated amp PLUS a pre-amp AT THE SAME TIME. This is because my downgrade plan includes selling away the phonostage, preamp and a monoblock but I'm keeping the speakers that come with a servo amp that drives only the woofer. This integrated amp will therefore have the tough task to drive the high and mid of the speakers all by itself, PLUS serving as a preamp to drive the servo amp for the speakers.

At the same time, I'll still holding on to the analogue rig since I have a few hundred LP to spin. Having a phono for this integrate amp is a must.

I know I'm probably asking too much but at least I know the Audiolab 8000A integrated amp can do the tricks. Just want to hear more opinions for an even better all rounded integrated amp. Don't think this candiate, being an integrated amp in its own right, would cost more than my current separate phono stage, preamp and a pair of monoblock?!

Thank you.
netuse38c786

Showing 1 response by goyescas

Try the Musical Fidelity A300; the phono stage is the same one used in their XLP's, with MM loading at 47k and MC at 1000R. Gain on the MC is around 56db. The active pre-outs are excellent, and you have tape monitor, 150 Dual-Mono, very good to excellent build quality and FF remote. Plenty of current to boot. You might even find a New one for well under the $1500-$1700 list, and certainly one pops up every few weeks or so here (I have steered a few friends in this direction as they downsized their own systems for convenience and to take advantage of the plethora of good to very good integrateds).

There are of course other fine contenders, but not sure about the pre-out part!