Thanks all for your suggestions. I never really knew how important a good phono preamp was. I thought my Yamaha had it covered. I'll use all the info to make a wise choice.
Phono pre amp
I recently purchased a new TT a VPI Prime with a VDH DD2 special MC cartridge, I'm very happy. I still want to use my previous TT which was a Denon DP51F with a Ortofon MM2 Bronze cartridge. My VPI is plugged into the phono stage on my Yamaha AS2100. The question is, will I get more out of the VPI if I buy a (better) separate phono stage for the VPI and use the Yamaha phono stage for the Denon? If so, what phono pre amp would be good for the VPI?
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My friend is using this Sutherland KC VIBE with his .5 mv Hana mc cartridge . I doubt you would go wrong with it! https://sutherlandengineering.com/products/kc-vibe/ |
Another very good affordable is the Parasound Zphono XRM at $600 or the one I use as a backup the iFi Phono 3 Black Label outstanding value at $999 https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ifi-iphono-3-black-label-phono-stage/ https://www.analogplanet.com/content/ifis-iphono-3-mmmc-phono-preamplifier-takes-giant-sonic-leap-fo... https://www.analogplanet.com/content/parasound-z-phono-xrm-mmmc-phono-preamp-offers-lot-599 https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/parasound-zphono-xrm |
Second Sutherland. I have a VDH MC ONE Special with the Sutherland Insight - one step up from the Vibe (I got it used for under $1K, but it lists for $1400). I used to play it through the phono input of my integrated Plinius that had a high gain/low gain switch. The improvement was tremendous. It has many different impedence and gain settings and they are adjustable with shunts, not cheap dip switches or unnecessary noisy electronics. Supposedly a comparable quality tube PS would be much more expensive. Interestingly, the specs on VDH's web site says the output is .65mV and on the inside of my wooden box is says .75mV, (but it is very new, so it may have changed) so I guess they actually test every one and give accurate readings. I have it set to 100 ohms and 60dB gain after trying 200. VDH doesn't prescribe; it gives recommendations and says you should adjust to your liking. I got the linear power supply which is internal, so no extra power cords. Plus Ron Sutherland is the nicest guy and picks up his phone. He just designs phono stages - that's it. No marketing, manufacturing, or anything - just him. Made in Kansas City. He stayed on the phone with me for 45 minutes guiding me on the installation of the Linear Power Supply upgrade that cost $350. Tell me one other person who would do that. He couldn't care less if I bought it used - he was honored to have his equipment running in my system. Customer for life. |
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