richieb Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Now that my Heritage system has moved downstairs with plenty of room I am bringing out my long stored analogue system. I will need a phono preamp with moving coil capabilities for a Denon 103D coil cartridge. This will in turn run into a single input tube integrated. At this point I really don't want to get in too deep but test the waters for sound, enjoyment so please no multi thousand $$$ units at this point. But knowing me this could easily be a long and expensive slippery slope. With the tube amp and really only needing to boost the MC signal would a SS unit suffice or stay with tubes the entire front end? Or do I only need a step up phono amp because I will be using the volume control from the integrated. I am looking forward to this although my CD players have a very smooth, analogue in sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eth2 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 https://community.klipsch.com/index.php?/topic/155123-fs-or-trade-clearaudio-nano-mmmc-preamp-and-denon-dl-103r-mc-cartridge/ Currently in Garage Sale Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai2000 Posted January 31, 2015 Share Posted January 31, 2015 Try the Transcendent Sound Phono - perhaps not that well known, but a superb performer. On Khorns I even managed to use a DL103 without MC step-up transformer. Wolfram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I just repaired a Transcendent Sound Phono preamp and it is indeed a great performer but I'm not sure if he offer a MC step-up option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted February 1, 2015 Moderators Share Posted February 1, 2015 What cartridge will you be using? Here is a link to the Transcendent page with specs. Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai2000 Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 No - Bruce does not offer an MC option - but it really worked quite well without running a DL103. Wolfram Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 I use a cheapo 100 dollar Radio Shack for mine but I am not a "Vinyl" person even though I have 532 albums collecting dust. It boosts the signal just fine but won't eliminate clicks , pops, wow, and hum. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David H Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 (edited) I had a Music Fidelity VLPS, thought it was quite good for a budget option. I preferred it to the Classic NAD PP-2, Project Phono Box and the Bellari VP-29. I ended up with a PS-Audio GCPH. Dave Edited February 1, 2015 by GotHover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik2A3 Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Transcendent Sound is an excellent MM phono stage -- have one I use often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Erik, It is indeed and very much in the same league as the JMA stuff. Its just too bad he doesn't not offer a step-up for it. I have a Tercel here I took in on trade but it does not have the LOMC transformers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted February 2, 2015 Moderators Share Posted February 2, 2015 His web page on his phone preamp, which I obviously forgot to post says he can offer step ups. http://www.transcendentsound.com/Transcendent/Transcendent_Sound_Phono_Preamp.html From his webpage: Total Performance: These design features produce a noise figure of at least 75 dbA. This is outstanding for a tube phono preamp and exceeds conventional designs by at least 10 dbA if not 15. Gain is a whopping 52 dB. Consequently, the preamp can be driven by all but very low output moving coil cartridges. Step-up transformers can be added for these types of cartridges. Contact us for details as moving coil cartridges require special consideration when mated to a transformer. Connecting the Phono Preamp to the Grounded Grid Preamp creates a combined gain of 64 dB of very low noise amplification. By the way, the thing sounds pretty darn good. Easy Assembly: The circuitry is contained on two circuit boards, one for the power supply and one for the preamp. Very little point-to-point wiring is required. Assembly time should be less than 6 hours. Power Requirements Specifications: Signal to Noise Ratio: Greater than 75 dBA. Gain: 52 dB. Max Signal Out: 20 volts RMS. Output Impedance: 1000 ohms. Input Impedance: 47 k Ohms. Tube Compliment: 4-6C45Pi, 2-12AX7A Dimensions Overall: 15'W by 11'D by 4 1/4'H. 115V or 230V, 50-60Hz, 30 watts. Weight: 10 pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totalcomfort Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Check out the Emotiva XPS-1 cheap for what you get and sounds great in my system. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1UC Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 http://www.musicdirect.com/p-161016-ifi-micro-iphono-mmmc-phono-preamp.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erik2A3 Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 For LOMC On another table I'm using this-------> http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/f-117 A small but very capable performer. Features dual mono adjustable loading (impedance only) and variable gain. Obviously extremely quiet operation. Used for MM, the Samuels is really good too; to my ears possessing a slightly tighter or more highly damped sound compared the the Transcendent Sound phono stage (which just a blast -- very lively, excellent retrieval of detail, punchy bass). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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