Phono amp probs - please advise.

[6th.replicant]

Please advise... Been trying out a Rega P2 with a Cambridge 640P phono amp. Hearing subwoofer-esque low-end bass, but poke-all separation or mid-range/top-end detail (eg very faint cymbals/high-hat). Tried the 640P with a Marantz TT42 and get the same(ish) result. Therefore, it's the 640P that's not partnering well with my Arcam amps and Totem speakers - correct?? So, maybe try a different phono amp... Aside from price - £55 vs £165 - and aesthetics, what are the differences 'tween the Rega's Fono Mini and 2000? In terms of sound quality, is the 2000 worth the extra £100? Ta [🙂]

 

[scene]

Can't comment on the Cambridge Phono amp - but I know Arcam make an optional Phono amp for the A38, which I believe is the same one as I have in my A85 - which I have found to work really well with my Pro-ject Debut II. I have read others reviews of it with Regar Planars and it gets pretty good reviews - might be worth trying to find a dealer with an A38 with the Phono stage fitted and try that out.

 

[audioaffair]

It may be worth listening to a few other options. What cartridge is the P2 fitted with?

 

[6th.replicant]

scene:... Arcam make an optional Phono amp for the A38, which I believe is the same one as I have in my A85 - which I have found to work really well with my Pro-ject Debut II. I have read others reviews of it with Regar Planars and it gets pretty good reviews ...
[Slaps forehead] Dur, I didn't know Arcam made a phono amp - thanks for the heads up.

audioaffair:... What cartridge is the P2 fitted with?

A Bias 2.

Ta for replies

 

[scene]

6th.replicant:scene:... Arcam make an optional Phono amp for the A38, which I believe is the same one as I have in my A85 - which I have found to work really well with my Pro-ject Debut II. I have read others reviews of it with Regar Planars and it gets pretty good reviews ...
[Slaps forehead] Dur, I didn't know Arcam made a phono amp - thanks for the heads up.

audioaffair:... What cartridge is the P2 fitted with?

A Bias 2.

Ta for replies

No worries - can't remember if the phono module is a factory fit, or just a back-to-the-dealer job (I had mine fitted a long time ago!). If you look around the back of your amp, in the top RHS you'll see the blanking plate where the phono in will end up. BTW: if you get the phono module added, you lose the AUX input - I assume this is still the case...

 

[6th.replicant]

Yep, found the blanking plate. I'll call some Arcam stealers tomorrow to get quotes etc ...

Ta