Good Phono Stage for Benz Micro Ace.


I was wondering what brands of phono stages have synergy with the Benz Cartridges. I have thought about tubes vs solidstage and I think that I would like a solidstate phonostage. I am using a Conrad Johnson Cav-50 at the moment and love the amp, but it is plenty warm and smooth at the moment (using a NAD PP2!) and I like the bass that the SS phono stage offers.

Cartridge - Benz Micro Ace MC 2.5mV

Table - Vpi Scout

budget of 750
Thanks!
macd

Showing 1 response by amandarae

I own a Benz Ace low since 2004. I found the Wright WPP-100C (old model before the 200 series) mates very well with the cart using Mullard 6ER5 and Telefunken 12AU7 as tubes. George Wright passed away and close shop but sometimes I see this phono preamp offered here a little below your price point.

To me, the phono stage should not increase the bass dramatically (RIAA Pre-emphasis/De-emphasis curve). It should only amplify what the table/cart provides. Having said that, since I know the Benz have a lot of bass, I think the problem is the VPI. My brother had the full blown Scout and my friend the Scoutmaster Anniversary Edition. Both only took one listen to a well refurbished idler drive TT and confirmed what the bass should really sound like (PRAT includes the bass). Even my Teres 255 and my brothers Teres 245 delivers much better bass than the VPI's mentioned.

Rumour has it that the new VPI- HW-19? is a different animal. Maybe you can listen to that or even a Techinics 1200 before you jump in to the phono preamp merry-go-round. I been there, it is not fun.