iFi Zen Phono 3 vs. Rega MM MK5

[FBech]

Helo, I am choosinng between iFi Zen Phono 3 and Rega MM MK5 preamps. I will be using a Technics SL1500 TT with AT-VM95ML, at 100 pf in the preamp. I wont be using MC cartridges.

So, in terms of sound quality working with the AT-VM95ML stylus, wich preamp do you guys think is a better choice?


Best regards

 

[Integralista]

Hi, if you plan to use only mm cartridges, than Rega is more logic choice - as it is only MM ready. ifi Phono 3 is universal with switching benween MM/MC low and MC high. Price is similar, iFi looks better, Rega is made in UK. Both sound very very good. Rega has more open, "to the point" sound. It can rock hard with a lot of verve and energy. I have used Rega Aria mk1 for some 8 years and it was excellent. Try to listen at least one of those preamps in your system. This will give you more tham 1000 words from us. BR.

 

[Al ears]

Hi, if you plan to use only mm cartridges, than Rega is more logic choice - as it is only MM ready. ifi Phono 3 is universal with switching benween MM/MC low and MC high. Price is similar, iFi looks better, Rega is made in UK. Both sound very very good. Rega has more open, "to the point" sound. It can rock hard with a lot of verve and energy. I have used Rega Aria mk1 for some 8 years and it was excellent. Try to listen at least one of those preamps in your system. This will give you more tham 1000 words from us. BR.

You have said just about everything I was going to.....

 

[Integralista]

You have said just about everything I was going to.....

Thanks, this is a big compliment for me.😉

 

[Al ears]

Thanks, this is a big compliment for me.😉

No problem, like your thinking.

 

[matt49]

I wont be using MC cartridges.

If it were me, I'd ask myself how certain I was that I wouldn't change my mind about MC cartridges.

Future-proofing is surely wise, no?

 

[Al ears]

If it were me, I'd ask myself how certain I was that I wouldn't change my mind about MC cartridges.

Future-proofing is surely wise, no?

Future proofing is, up to a point. If you are never likely to spend more than £400 on a cartridge then MM is all you'll ever need. .

 

[matt49]

Future proofing is, up to a point. If you are never likely to spend more than £400 on a cartridge then MM is all you'll ever need. .

Well, as someone who uses a low output MC cartridge that cost under £400 ('only' £250 when I bought it two years ago), I'm obviously going to take a different view.

 

[Al ears]

Well, as someone who uses a low output MC cartridge that cost under £400 ('only' £250 when I bought it two years ago), I'm obviously going to take a different view.

I'll make an exception for the Denon you have. Had one myself once and they are excellent value for money.
However they are now around £349 so getting close to my cut off price and for that price you can get excellent MM cartridges without the need to pay extra for an external phono preamp that supports MC cartridges

 

[matt49]

I'll make an exception for the Denon you have. Had one myself once and they are excellent value for money.
However they are now around £349 so getting close to my cut off price and for that price you can get excellent MM cartridges without the need to pay extra for an external phono preamp that supports MC cartridges

You’re right of course: the Denon is a bit of an outlier price-wise for MC cartridges.

But, whilst not wanting to be overly argumentative or pedantic (and I have a tendency to be both), my understanding was that the OP’s situation was a choice between two external phono amps, one MM and one MM/MC, that are around the same price (+/- 10%). So for the OP there’s no significant extra cost attached to the MC option beyond the cost of a new cartridge, which will inevitably happen somewhere down the road. That’s why I was suggesting leaving open the option of an MC cartridge.

 

[Al ears]

You’re right of course: the Denon is a bit of an outlier price-wise for MC cartridges.

But, whilst not wanting to be overly argumentative or pedantic (and I have a tendency to be both), my understanding was that the OP’s situation was a choice between two external phono amps, one MM and one MM/MC, that are around the same price (+/- 10%). So for the OP there’s no significant extra cost attached to the MC option beyond the cost of a new cartridge, which will inevitably happen somewhere down the road. That’s why I was suggesting leaving open the option of an MC cartridge.

Agree it is always an option but economically it's not that simple. If you never intend going down the MC route your best bet is to make sure all your money has gone into making the best phono preamp they can for your needs.
Additional circuitry for an MC cartridge will add to the cost of production.

 

[matt49]

Agree it is always an option but economically it's not that simple. If you never intend going down the MC route your best bet is to make sure all your money has gone into making the best phono preamp they can for your needs.
Additional circuitry for an MC cartridge will add to the cost of production.

OK probably best we end this. We’re arguing from entirely different premises.

 

[Al ears]

OK probably best we end this. We’re arguing from entirely different premises.

I wasn't aware we were arguing