you get the best MC sound quality with a properly matched and loaded SUT into a MM phono. theres no debate on that.
i prefer a realistic sounding tube phono.
End Game Phono Preamp (tube)
Before you say ALLNIC a few caveats - I will only be using one TT so only need one input (MC). ALLNIC has up to 4 which is a lot of extra engineering I don't need and don't want to pay for. I'm coming from a very much loved Hagerman Trumpet MC with all the finest (to my ears) NOS tubes, external linear power supply, upgraded footers. It sounds terrific but I just have to scratch that itch to see if I can do better. If the only improvement I'll be getting by going up the food chain is less hiss, well, I can live with the existing hiss truthfully. I'd be expecting improved imaging, depth, resolution, cymbal decay beauty. Maybe I have it all now... if anyone has first hand experience with the Trumpet and can with an informed opinion offer a better option I'm all ears (hehe).
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To be clear, I wouldn’t rule out the best option because it has multiple inputs. I suppose I mean to say the "goldilocks" answer would be a simpler unit. Also I tend to switch over carts a lot (one of the reasons I’m very happily sticking with my SL1200G) so ease of switching loading/gain is preferred (soldering resistors is a no go! So are dip switches located inside the unit). For reference my carts are AT ART20, AT ART1000x, VDH Colibri Strad XGW, ZYX UNIverse III. I would consider setting the Trumpet to MM setting and putting a high end SUT in front if folks felt that was the best option. I do futz with loading a fair bit though so I wonder if the limitation with the SUT and MM setting would be too limiting? Doing some additional research, I think I REALLY like the ModWright PH 150, thoughts? It ticks all the boxes for me: Tube. Easy adjustments. Potential end game unit. Competitive price (compared to Allnic, etc). |
Conrad Johnson Art Phono is the best I have ever heard, tube or otherwise. The CH Precision P1 was with me for a year too and I have to say it was a tough choice. I have not heard their P10, which replaced it and is better, so you also should consider it. You did say you wanted to consider only the best ones. Everything else is a pretender. |
@fastricky I recently sold the Lab12 Melto2 tube phono thar I tried for few weeks to a gentleman that owned Hagerman Trumpet. He ended up preferring Lab12. He is using a SUT with his MC cartridge. Since I didn’t see you mention any budget, why not look into Audio Research Ref models on a used market? Or a used Mcintosh MP1100? |
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