Phono Preamp

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

Thanks Pete. Your VPI is one gorgeous TT. I can get the MP100 for retail plus some shipping from several sources. No clue why someone would pay over retail for a used unit that will have no warranty. I am still undecided if I will try one. At lease I could sell it for over retail if I did not like the results!!!!!!

Fbgbill....that's right. There's really no way you can go wrong.

[miner]

I would trust Vintage Pete’s evaluation especially since the Ortofon Cadenza Black is a low output MC that some stages would struggle to handle. I use the same cartridge.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by miner

I would trust Vintage Pete’s evaluation especially since the Ortofon Cadenza Black is a low output MC that some stages would struggle to handle. I use the same cartridge.

Thanks Kevin....indeed the Cadenza black has the lowest output voltage of the Cadenza line, and yes the MP100 handles it just fine.

To take things even a bit further, I would also point out that I'm using the unbalanced outputs of the MP100. I've read at least one review that states, rather emphatically, that as fine as the MP100's performance is, it is even better when running from the balanced outputs. To quote that reviewer, "glorious".

I've been tempted to try my MP100 using balanced connections, but unfortunately my C40 preamp has only one set of balanced inputs, which have long been dedicated to my McIntosh MDA1000 DAC.

[prepress]

For what it's worth, I have a C2300 as well, and asked McIntosh about the MP100 vs. the 2300's phono section. Their reply was it's "a slight upgrade in sound quality and functionality."

[Formerly YB-2]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

I've been tempted to try my MP100 using balanced connections, but unfortunately my C40 preamp has only one set of balanced inputs, which have long been dedicated to my McIntosh MDA1000 DAC.

Simple enough to move the cables from your MDA1000 to your MP100 to listen to the balanced outputs of same to see if you also find doing so a 'glorious' upgrade.

As another Cadenza Black user, along with rolling tubes (which I also do with my phono-stage) the OP could look at a phono IC upgrade (I'm using a WW Platinum 8) and a also a cartridge upgrade. Many incremental changes/upgrades that one can consider in lieu of a new piece of gear. One must jump quite high ($$-wise) to beat the internal phono-stage as must cover the cost of another chassis, power supply, etc., with the external phono preamp.

[Fbgbill]

If I were really going to go a separate phono pre, I would probably get the MP1100 but that would require a serious meeting with the "boss" about why!!!!!

[nukular]

If you can find a used Herron VTPH-2A, I'd pick it up as a no-brainer. Keith fairly recently stopped making them as he is getting close to retirement, but last I knew he was still going to do repairs and the like.

They are hard to find as basically nobody sells them off. I LOVE mine..and everybody I know of with one feels the same. Ears I trust have tested them against a lot of alternatives and never looked back.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Fbgbill

If I were really going to go a separate phono pre, I would probably get the MP1100 but that would require a serious meeting with the "boss" about why!!!!!

Of course, who would not like to go that route, but the price of admission is steep, with or without a "boss" to answer to!

For me, the MP1100 is also a pretty large box that I really haven't room for at this point.

[Vintage Pete]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Simple enough to move the cables from your MDA1000 to your MP100 to listen to the balanced outputs of same to see if you also find doing so a 'glorious' upgrade.

Glenn.....yes of course I've thought about trying this. I might really like it. My fear however is in taking a step down from my MDA1000's performance, which is, in itself, glorious! What's a po boy to do?

[Fbgbill]

Originally Posted by Vintage Pete

Of course, who would not like to go that route, but the price of admission is steep, with or without a "boss" to answer to!

For me, the MP1100 is also a pretty large box that I really haven't room for at this point.

Luckily I have a shelf that I can use. The wait time for one is probably four months. Have not ordered yet. Dealer wants a deposit of 80%. I might try some other dealers but none are close to me. You must take delivery at their location or they must deliver to your door according to McIntosh.