Is great sound possible through an on-board, MM phono stage?


I’m considering simplifying down to an integrated amp and curious whether it’s possible to get great sound from an on-board MM phono stage. In the past, I have felt that it’s tough. I ran a Shindo Masseto’s on-board MM stage through a Hashimoto SUT, for example, and it didn’t measure up to my Coincident phono stage. Indeed, the whole business of runnng an interconnect to an external SUT to another interconnect to a tonearm is something I’d love to avoid. Are there any folks out there who felt they’ve found a winning combo with an MM or MI cartridge? Or an SUT combo that’s truly quiet, with a massive soundstage, great dynamics, and smooth performance that doesn’t break the bank? Integrateds i'm considering include the Audio Note OTO SE Signature phono, the Leben CS600, or possibly a Linear Tube Audio integrated. 
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Showing 1 response by ozzy62

I don't have an integrated phono stage, but I can speak to a MI cartridge. I have found the SS Carmen II to have all the detail and resolution of a good MC, but with body and drive that is sometimes missing. I'm pretty happy with it and will move up the Soundsmith line in the future.

Oz