Should I use an external Phono Preamp

mooks005 OP

7 posts

06-03-2026 at 04:52pm 

I didn't mention I am using a Nordost Valhalla 2 tonearm cable. Maybe that could be improved?

Is this a real Valhalla 2 or a Chinese fake? 
 

While you’re answering this question, I’ll answer yours. Phono stage makes an enormous difference. Even before you upgrade your cartridge you should consider upgrading your phono stage. If you want to stay with McIntosh, their MP100 is very nice and should be a noticeable step up in performance from your in-built phono. 
There are many other phono stages, solid state and tube, that would improve your listening experience. 

What @elliottbnewcombjr said above. Configure the phono input to your cartiridge and then play around in tiny increments to improve the sound --IF necessary.

Real Valhalla

If you want to stay with McIntosh, their MP100 is very nice and should be a noticeable step up in performance from your in-built phono. 

Complete and utter nonsense - the phono in the c12000 is far superior to the mid price stand alone MP100 phono.

I would have thought the more logical next upgrade of this system would be to upgrade the turntable and tonearm - Technics SP10R plus top end tonearm.

In my view to upgrade the phono input of the McIntosh you would be looking at 10k phono to get some improvement, but as I said, upgrading the turntable and arm will give more fundamental improvements.

For a different sound, perhaps look at some alternative cartridges.

Speaking of external or built-in phono stages: my experiences:

1960’s, 70’s, 80’s, Receivers, built-in phono, great music, sounded pretty darn good, what did we know?

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During the ’CD’s are Better’ era, I had an AT120 TT with a dinky optional phono card, and a McIntosh C28 SS Preamp with Phono. I preferred the dinky thing in the AT TT to the McIntosh.

Eventually, I sold both and the SS amp, and got a vintage McIntosh Tube Tuner/Preamp and Cayin Tube Amp. I love the sound of the tube McIntosh built-in MM phono, never even think about change, and use a SUT for MC so I can keep using the McIntosh built-in MM Phono.

Changed my whole TT setup.

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I needed an external Phono for my office. After reading, I tried 3 well respected units, one after another, just didn’t like them, luckily had return options. Compared to the same cartridges played in my main system.

I bought a $14. Pyle that sounded darn good, used it until I bought a Luxman SQ-N150. It has built-in single phono, either MM or MC, and the MC has a single fixed 100 ohm load (as many simple ones do). No where near as good as your current built-in.

Happily, my MC is 10 ohm coil and 100 ohm is what is recommended.

Also happily, both MM and MC in the Luxman sound great. The Pyle was my temp. phono stage, until, my friend who borrowed it said, "I’m keeping it! I’ll buy you another." I then gave that one with a nice Technics SL-J33 to my son, so I have no spare TT and no spare Phono Stage, I’m not happy about that.

laugh all you want, if anyone want’s a temp, or to have something to compare, inflation has make it pricier, now $17. In-line, fits behind anything.

https://www.amazon.com/Pyle-Phono-Turntable-Preamp-Preamplifier/dp/B00025742A/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1