Improved phono stage!

[PiperVsPiper]

Hello all!
Looking for some phono stage advice! I currently have a Rega P6/EXACT > Marantz PM6005> Beovox S45-2 speakers. (Also a Marantz CD player, and my TV but Im less concerned with that).

Would a dedicated phono stage be a worthwhile upgrade over the integrated one in the Marantz? I have my eye on the Rega Fono MM MK3.

The Rega ElexR was recommended to me, but it costs 3x as much, and I would lose the digital in and headphone out that I have now. Mostly trying to improve soundstage/imaging.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Al ears]

Hello all!
Looking for some phono stage advice! I currently have a Rega P6/EXACT > Marantz PM6005> Beovox S45-2 speakers. (Also a Marantz CD player, and my TV but Im less concerned with that).

Would a dedicated phono stage be a worthwhile upgrade over the integrated one in the Marantz? I have my eye on the Rega Fono MM MK3.

The Rega ElexR was recommended to me, but it costs 3x as much, and I would lose the digital in and headphone out that I have now. Mostly trying to improve soundstage/imaging.

Thanks in advance!

I can only say it might, you really have to hear one yourself.
What cartridge do you use?
This is where I would look if soundstage is an issue.

 

[daytona600]

Project MAIA DS2 - phono stage / roon / headphones / digital / kitchen sink

MaiA DS2 – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

www.project-audio.com

 

[Al ears]

Project MAIA DS2 - phono stage / roon / headphones / digital / kitchen sink

MaiA DS2 – Pro-Ject Audio Systems

www.project-audio.com

There was me thinking he wanted a phono amp.
If the Rega is too expensive I don't see him going for a Maia.....

 

[PiperVsPiper]

Ill check into the Maia! Ive been pretty satisfied with the Marantz too. Listening in store right now is hard to arrange. My hope, was that for the money I might see a reasonable upgrade with a dedicated phono stage. The ElexR was suggested as replacement, but I would lose the headphone out and digital in for my TV. (Satisfied with the Marantz for that).

My Rega P6 has the Exact 2 cartridge, my "feeling" is that the TT/Cartridge is the strong point right now and improving the phono pre might be the next best step. (As well as being something that could move forward to a better amp and speakers)

Thanks for the replies!

 

[Al ears]

Ill check into the Maia! Ive been pretty satisfied with the Marantz too. Listening in store right now is hard to arrange. My hope, was that for the money I might see a reasonable upgrade with a dedicated phono stage. The ElexR was suggested as replacement, but I would lose the headphone out and digital in for my TV. (Satisfied with the Marantz for that).

My Rega P6 has the Exact 2 cartridge, my "feeling" is that the TT/Cartridge is the strong point right now and improving the phono pre might be the next best step. (As well as being something that could move forward to a better amp and speakers)

Thanks for the replies!

No problem.
If you really want to improve the phono preamp could you spend a little more than the price of the Rega Fono?
Whilst there is nothing inherently wrong with the Rega I believe the MOFI Studio Phono has more to offer and will allow you to upgrade to a Moving Coil cartridge in the future should you so wish. This is available for 289 euros

 

[PiperVsPiper]

Ill check into that too! Looks like it's less expensive, unless Im looking at the wrong model. I was leaning towards the Rega MM MK3 because it's available at a local shop, and because people refer to "Rega synergy". They want $395 for it, and I found the MOFI Studiophono online for $200. I suppose I could just hold out and save for a new amp. But Ive got the itch. ☺️

 

[Al ears]

Ill check into that too! Looks like it's less expensive, unless Im looking at the wrong model. I was leaning towards the Rega MM MK3 because it's available at a local shop, and because people refer to "Rega synergy". They want $395 for it, and I found the MOFI Studiophono online for $200. I suppose I could just hold out and save for a new amp. But Ive got the itch. ☺

Are you in the States?
The Rega is only £199 here in the UK and the Mofi is more expensive. Funny old world.

 

[GeoffreyW]

Seek out a Cambridge Audio CA640P phono amp, contact Jez Arkless and let him modify it, and you'll have a phono amp the equal of devices costing up to £1000.
Ah, might be a problem if you're in the US. Sorry.

 

[Jimboo]

Why not just audition several phono amps rather than buying one to be ' modified' ? Really ,what is the point buying a product and only to have half of it to be ripped out and rebuilt invalidating the warranty and effectively receiving a returned product that you haven't got the foggiest what it will sound like because a ' guru' has blessed it with his presence ?
God , print a myth and they just queue up to hand it over.