helotoby 94 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Amazing! After trawling through at least 4 phono pre amps over the past 10 years: Luxman Cambridge Audio Rega and Vincent ( with sep p supply); I decided to do something "silly" - I plugged my 301 (with Grace F8 Ruby) into the hitherto ignored gold plated phono input on my Onkyo Integra P304 (pictured). Time: 10.45 PM Voila! It sounded marvellous - great imaging, detail and separation. Goodbye Phono pre!! Plus, I can use the outdated non PC "tone control" to do all sorts of things to my lp's. This is from a piece of kit that is almost 40 years old... It has a huge transformer - better than the first four pre amps put together. Maybe there's something in this little detail. That's my "aha" thought for the day. Disclaimer: I can't afford a an expensive pre amp. If I could, I would have.... 4 Link to post Share on other sites
audiofeline 2,385 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 It's all about how it sounds. Funny how (at times) some less expensive and/or vintage equipment can outperform modern expensive gear. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
wen 1,653 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 agree with above post, its all about audition, even if it's your own gear, and your ears make the final decision. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
zippi 3,641 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 (edited) not surprised @helotoby!!! love the phono stage on my Onkyo A8150. It's an integrated amp from mid 80s and not as fancy as your Integra, however after trying several dedicated phonos (of a sub $400 variety) went right back to the Onkyo's phono input as it simply sounded the best. Edited January 14, 2020 by zippi Link to post Share on other sites
helotoby 94 Posted January 14, 2020 Author Share Posted January 14, 2020 Touche! Best money not always best sound 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Addicted to music 7,112 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 8 minutes ago, helotoby said: Touche! Best money not always best sound That’s for sure. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Muon N' Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 Likely a good discrete stage in that Onkyo, one that gels really well with the cart :) Link to post Share on other sites
The Blues 189 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I had a Luxman L58A and the Phono stage was amazing! Link to post Share on other sites
JohnDSLR 0 Posted January 14, 2020 Share Posted January 14, 2020 I have several integrated amps, pre and turntables. I can hear the differences of different combinations, I choose the one which is the sweetest to my ear. It is all about your personal feeling, most of the time. Link to post Share on other sites
Mat-with-one-t 1,295 Posted January 18, 2020 Share Posted January 18, 2020 I borrowed a mate’s l-510 Luxman integrated, and it had a really impressive phono stage! Link to post Share on other sites
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