Best type of phonostage for accuphase?

[Harris4crna]

Currently have a SS phono preamp, Simaudio 810lp. Works great, but not really sure it meshes well with Accuphase. I heard in the past Simaudio do not like to play with others even though this preamp got great reviews for being transparent and neutral. Anyhoo, since I have a class A system, would it be better to have a class A phono preamp or tube?

Any experience or suggestions are very welcomed, thank you.

[Weirdcuba]

Lurk ...

[piolaxo]

C37?

[terrycym]

Accuphase AD-2820

[Harris4crna]

I run balanced phono cables, therefore need balanced inputs.

[terrycym]

Not many of those around hence your choice is rather limited as would be anybody's response had they known your requirements.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Harris4crna

I run balanced phono cables, therefore need balanced inputs.

Why? Phono cartridge outputs are originally not balanced.
And you have to renounce on one of the best sounding phono pres on the market, the C-37.

Martin

[Harris4crna]

Thanks

[Harris4crna]

I still have the unbalanced junction box for the VPI. I switched the junction box to balanced, but easily switch back. Phasemation has balanced inputs, but it is a tube phono preamp.

[meltemi]

Originally Posted by Harris4crna

I still have the unbalanced junction box for the VPI. I switched the junction box to balanced, but easily switch back. Phasemation has balanced inputs, but it is a tube phono preamp.

Phasemation EA-1000 I assume. With balanced and unbalanced phono inputs / step up transformer for MC cartridges / only unbalanced outputs even on XLR (!).

C-37 has unbalanced phono inputs only / full direct coupled semiconductor electronics (no transformers, no tubes) / balanced and unbalanced outputs.

Comment:
1) Phono cartridge outputs are originally unbalanced.
2) Transient response of transformers is usually inferior to well designed direct coupled semiconductor electronics.
Transformer advantages: galvanic decoupling, better matching to following tube amp stage and maybe lower cost.
3) Tubes have limited lifetime.
4) Balanced outputs preferred over unbalanced outputs (and normally required for pro digital recorder's analog inputs).

Suggestion: Listen to C-37.

Martin