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January 29, 2018 - 9:39pm
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Phono stage recommendation for a fairly new Classé CP-800
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First off, let me ask you this : are you using your setup strictly for analog (turntable) or both digital and analog? Are you running a USB cable to the CP-800's USB DAC input port cuz the CP-800 is optimized around its USB DAC input and its USB DAC input sounded best compared to its other digital inputs.
If you're only using your system strictly for turntable playbacks I would trade in the CP-800 for an all analog preamp. Audio Research makes really good tube linestage analog preamp. There are countless choices out there. You Classe CA-2300 stereo power amp is a great choice for your B&W 802. The CA-2300 is a spectacular amp and I would keep the amp for your B&W 802.
Secondly, what kind of turntable will you be looking to purchase? What's your overall budgets for tt, cartridge, tonearm and a phonostage pre? For your setup and system I would look at Linn LP12.
Hey caphill, thanks for the reply. I will be using the CP-800 for both digital and analog. I had been looking at the Pass XP-15 because it seemed really easy to change the cartridge settings if I switch out cartridges. I thought about seeing if I could get the Classé phono stage added, but it didn't seem like you could change the settings for new cartridges once the stage is installed. For that price, Id rather invest in a stand alone phono stage.
Right now, I have been really impressed with the sound and design of the Brinkmann Bardo. Only listened to once and I have also looked at/listened to the Linn LP12. Im looking at quite a few turntables at the moment. I don't have a budget really, but its not going to be unlimited either, ha. Im looking to purchase something that I can keep for life. Im not really the type that will upgrade all the time, just want to hear wonderful music. I had been getting some deals on the pre-amp, amp, speakers, and wiring, but looks like i will be paying close to retail on the phono stage and a new turntable most likely. Thanks for the help, Im a relative noob...
I recommend the Musical Fidelity V90LPS, which is only $200 from Needle Doctor.
Musical Fidelity is known for great phono stages, and this one bests many more expensive ones.
I would look at Rega, clearaudio and VPI turntables. Rega is a bit colored in the sense that it is known for a forwar upper midgange and makes jazz sound mind bogglingly good. At the other end, VPI is a bit bass forward. Clearaudio is ultra precise. I would pick a table that is in budget from them and focus on a quality cartridge.
For phono stage, the Musical Fidelity MX VYNL is nice for the money for fully balanced. Rogue and Manley make wonderful units that are unbalanced tube units. For a bit more Ayre Acoustics and Parasound make unbelievable units. In fact, I have heard great things about this new Parasound JC3 Junior which is a nice unit at a pretty sharp price.
Check out the Audio Research entry level series called the Foundation phonostage pre. If your budget is higher, go with Audio Research Ref 6 if you can find a used one.
As for a turntable, Clear Audio, AMG, SME, VPI all make awesome turntables.
If you go with the Linn LP12 I would recommend getting their phonostage with its separate power supply unit.