Improve the phono stage, what’s new?
 

Hi guys,
I very appreciate the phono stage of my system (the phono preamplifier built-in in my McIntosh MA8000), but I would like to try to improve it!
Which phono stage is the best solution for my audio system?
I have pointed the McIntosh MP100 phono preamplifier (3000 €).

What do you think about it?

Moving up from my phono built-in to external dedicated phono stage (MP100) will be a sensible improvement?
I don’t want to spent 3000 € for improve only the 1% quality of my audio system...

I recently purchased a Gold Note PH-10 and I'm blown away at its performance. Its hard to believe its only $1595 - for now. Super flexible, great build quality, fabulous sound, and an upgrade path for the future.

Check out their website and see tons of reviews online. It will definitely be worth your while. :thumbsup:


"HANDCRAFTED IN ITALY WITH PASSION AND TECHNOLOGY"
"The secret behind PH-10?
We design, craft and assemble every single part!
Every PH-10 is handmade in Italy with the best audio grade components to ensure flawless music playback.
The level of quality meets the highest standard throughout the entire production: from the CNC machining to the assembly and finally to the electronic tests at the PC."


My analog system finally sounds superior to my digital. :thumbsup:

Ron

I recently purchased a new turntable and after some tweaks to get the best sound I could, I realized that my phono pre was not up to snuff. Today I purchased a Sutherland Engineering Insight phono pre. There were many excellent phono pre's out there so the field was wide open. Good luck.

THE GOLD NOTE PH-10 IS THE FIRST PHONO STAGE WITH 2 INPUTS AND 6 EQ CURVES

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1536808074

PH-10 is an ultra-versatile phono preamplifier that offers unique features, including EQ CURVES, LOAD and GAIN adjustments: a fully analogue design engineered exclusively with high quality coils, capacitors and resistors.

PH-10 is controlled via knob and display using a sophisticated micro-controller to select the functions through our custom firmware that is loaded on a micro SD dedicated flash memory and can be updated easily via PC. The micro-controller is separated and independent from the audio signal path to guarantee always clear and pure sound.

Once the tonearms are connected, PH-10 can be set with 4 different GAIN levels [-3dB, 0dB, +3dB, 6dB] to match precisely the output level of any MM or MC cartridge.

The perfect setup is guaranteed with 9 different LOAD options [10Ω, 22Ω, 47Ω, 100Ω, 220Ω, 470Ω, 1000Ω, 22KΩ, 47KΩ] that will let you adjust the preamp to match it with a large number of cartridges in a quick, easy way.

Ron

This will not improve your system. I already asked McIntosh directly about this. Only MP1100 would make a difference inside McIntosh range

It’s very good PrePhono from the paper...
For owners and people that has played with him, have you any suggestions related to the difference between PH-10 and the prephono built-in in my MA8000?
This for saying if with PH-10 I will have relevant upgrade or not..

I really enjoy mine and recommend the Gold Note without reservation. I was impressed so much, I then purchased their Pianosa Turntable, and then recently added the Donatello Gold cartridge. I suggest you read all the reviews and summarize there impressions.

The cost is more than reasonable, so ask your dealer to demo it in your system, then you can be the judge. :thumbsup:

Ron

I was just on the Gold Note website. There is no dealer info. Do you purchase direct from Gold Note?

Paul this is a dealer on the East Coast.

https://audio-exchange.com/

Thank you Jack!:thumbsup: