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Recommended phono stage to go with McIntosh

Hello-

Looking into upgrading a few elements in my system and would like to hear everyone’s comments/suggestions on how to best move forward. System looks like this:

Piega C10 Ltds speakers
McIntosh Mc402 amp. Possibly adding an extra to run mono as the Piegas like their juice.
McIntosh C2200 preamp
Technics 1200 GR turntable with stock arm
Lehmannaudio Black Cube 2
Carts are MoFi Master Tracker and Vasari Gold Note
Chords are Audience and Shunyata

Upgrading the phono stage, arm and carts at some time. I only have MM carts now. McIntosh does have a recently introduced phono stage, not sure how good it is. Budget for the phono stage is $3000?

Your thoughts suggestions on how to move forward. Thanks!
128x128knollbrent

Showing 12 responses by knollbrent

knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Parasound JC3+ is a highly recommended phono pre. I'll look into it @invictus005

knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Regarding the Herron. It's a tuber and my preamp is tubes. Too many tubes? 
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Copy that @riley804 . Great advice
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
@riley804 I truly understand your point and agree. I love the system as is, BUT the Lehmann is the weakest link. I do enjoy the ride. I've clocked A LOT of hours of this system. I love the vinyl end so much. It's spinning every second I'm home. (Besides of course when sleeping)

Thanks for the rest of the suggestions. The Herron looks very easy to use which is important for me. 

Listening to the "Man in Black" right now...


knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Excellent @hifiman5  I'm sure Supertramp sounds fantastic! Which album? I'm listening to Willie Nelson's " To all the Girls" and it sounds glorious from the dining room table. I'll look into the Luxman. Thanks 
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Thanks @chachi112  for chiming in. I had heard the MP100 just wasnt going to great for the long run. I'll probably grab the Herron next month. I'm going to contact Herron first with my equipt list so they can advise. whether it's a good fit. 
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
@jerrym121 that seems like a lot of work for me to tackle? Great idea though thanks!
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Fixed the gain situation @russbutton   Read thru manual again and the Aux input setting needed to be set to phono   It's up and rolling. I'm going to give it a listen and report back! Thanks for chiming in!
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Great advice @avanti1960  and @jsm71 

I tried the phono pre section on the C2200 @russbutton  but even with adjusting the trim I don't get enough gain out of it. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Manual says phono section for MM carts, that's what's playing. 
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Bass needs to tighten up, that's about it. I really like the C2200 and think adjusting the tubes a little is going to be the best and least expensive move of them all. 

Treat the room a little we've got a triple bam!

knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
@russbutton what tubes would you suggest for a great tube roll?
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent OP
491 posts
 
Excellent @russbutton   I'll do some further research. I agree, it is nice to hands on.
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