2. amps-preamps
  3. 155232-104274

Polling Integrated Amp & Vinyl Users

Just curious how many of you use a separate Phono pre-amp vs. the Phono section of your Integrated? I have an Anthem STR IA which has turntables plugged into both the MM & MC Phono inputs. I have a myriad number of cartridges. I have no complaints with the sound. To my ears, it’s a really nice Phono stage that does include some adjustable gain. 

The compactness of an IA is what I like about them. No fuss, no muss. Less of everything. And yet! I do think about getting a separate Phono pre just for grins. Always wanting to compare. Wanderlust. 

I’m going to resist the urge at this point in time. Perhaps another day. Not that hard a decision when I’m happy with what I’ve got. 

Are you using your Integrated as intended? Or are you using separate boxes, i.e. phono, DAC’s etc. to complement your sound? 


lmnop
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,851 posts
 
I bought an integrated amp (Bel Canto c5i) for one of my systems to keep things simple and compact. No reason to do otherwise.  
hifier76
24 posts
 
I connect to the phono jacks on my Rotel RC-990BX preamp, which is switch-selectable  for MM or MC cartridge. I just bought a Marantz Model 1060 integrated amp for an all-vintage basement system, and I'll connect to the phono jacks there as well.
calvinandhobbes
272 posts
 
My 30 year old Creek 4140's phono preamp allows for either MM input or MC input down to  0.1mV. The amount of gain is switchable between MM and MC. Everything sounds great though I'm sure something could be better if I threw enough money at a new amp and phono preamp. Better to spend that time listening to music!
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
710 posts
 
My tube integrated amp doesn’t have phono stage so I had to buy a stand alone phono preamp.
If I had your integrated amp I’d use the built in phono stage until I felt I need to upgrade from dissatisfaction with the sound of it. But first try to determine if your turntable and cartridge offer better performance than the capabilities of the Anthem’s phono stage.
builder3
751 posts
 
I have a Luxman L-590AX, it has a great phono stage.
More to discover