Hi, you have all been so helpful in the past. I am in the midst of switching turntables from my old tech 1200's to a real listening machine. I have decided on the pro-ject 9.1 (a decent $2000 belt drive), with a Sumiko blue point special evo III (MC). This has caused a dilemma as the phone preamp in my Arcam a70 is for a MM. I assume I will need to buy a MC/MM preamp to add some more gain stages to the sumiko cart.. I really like the way this cartridge sounds so going back to MM, I think, is out of the question. Also, even if I stayed with my ortofon MM, I would like to have a preamp that has controls for variable gain, and filter (assumably so I can get the best, most tailored sound for my own taste).
Here come the questions:
Does anyone have an opinion on a good pre that's not in the high price ranges (as dropping 2000 on a table and another 600 on cables is plenty)?
I have been looking at all 4 of the Pro-ject pre's (2 solid, 2 tube), and leaning towards one of the tube pres. I love warm sounds and currently have Sonus Faber speakers which I love (and a REL sub). I have also considered the Musical Fidelity and the cheap Krell. I'm definately up for suggestions. I worry that a tube pre would add warmth but perhaps sacrifice some bass, which would be a problem, but I feel like the solids may sound a bit tinny...and let's face it there is a silly romantic feeling associated with having some glowing tubes sitting next to your bling turntable.
Also, how does everybody feel about the sumiko black bird high output cartridge? Would this require an MC pre due to the fact that it is "high output," even though they both have an output of 2.5mV?
I know, I know, I need to listen for myself to truly know, but I don't think my audio shop would tolerate me ordering seven or more preamps, and only buying one, and I don't have many friends silly enough to spend $7000+ on a stereo like me.
Thanks guys, maybe im getting ready for the big time and move up from the entry level forum....hahahh.
Always value your opinion guys,
Happy listening,
Matt (audioclash) MC/MM phone preamp help
Hi, you have all been so helpful in the past. I am in the midst of switching turntables from my old tech 1200's to a real listening machine. I have decided on the pro-ject 9.1 (a decent $2000 belt drive), with a Sumiko blue point special evo III (MC). This has caused a dilemma as the phone preamp in my Arcam a70 is for a MM. I assume I will need to buy a MC/MM preamp to add some more gain stages to the sumiko cart.. I really like the way this cartridge sounds so going back to MM, I think, is out of the question. Also, even if I stayed with my ortofon MM, I would like to have a preamp that has controls for variable gain, and filter (assumably so I can get the best, most tailored sound for my own taste).
Here come the questions:
Does anyone have an opinion on a good pre that's not in the high price ranges (as dropping 2000 on a table and another 600 on cables is plenty)?
I have been looking at all 4 of the Pro-ject pre's (2 solid, 2 tube), and leaning towards one of the tube pres. I love warm sounds and currently have Sonus Faber speakers which I love (and a REL sub). I have also considered the Musical Fidelity and the cheap Krell. I'm definately up for suggestions. I worry that a tube pre would add warmth but perhaps sacrifice some bass, which would be a problem, but I feel like the solids may sound a bit tinny...and let's face it there is a silly romantic feeling associated with having some glowing tubes sitting next to your bling turntable.
Also, how does everybody feel about the sumiko black bird high output cartridge? Would this require an MC pre due to the fact that it is "high output," even though they both have an output of 2.5mV?
I know, I know, I need to listen for myself to truly know, but I don't think my audio shop would tolerate me ordering seven or more preamps, and only buying one, and I don't have many friends silly enough to spend $7000+ on a stereo like me.
Thanks guys, maybe im getting ready for the big time and move up from the entry level forum....hahahh.
Always value your opinion guys,
Happy listening,
Matt (audioclash) MC/MM phone preamp help