Hi,
I'm new to the world of hi-fi, currently upgrading various aspects of my Rega planar 2, with platter, sub platter, wiring and plinths.
I'm itching to have a go at a valve phono pre-amp, I've been looking around for a while trying to find something suitable at a reasonable price, the Tube for hifi PH-16 is currently at the top of my consideration list.
I'm looking for general advice, is it worth starting such an adventure, will I see any benefit from using a pre amp with my current system.
Current system
Rega planar 2 with Rega Elys 2 cartridge, output 6.8-7.2mV
Arcam avr600
with a built in phono stage input sensibility 5mV, 47K, signal to noise ratio 88bB
Line input sensitivity 500mV-7V adjustable, 47K, signal to noise ratio 100dB
Ruark prologue 2 speakers
Many thanks in advance for thoughts comments and guidance
Paul
I'm new to the world of hi-fi, currently upgrading various aspects of my Rega planar 2, with platter, sub platter, wiring and plinths.
I'm itching to have a go at a valve phono pre-amp, I've been looking around for a while trying to find something suitable at a reasonable price, the Tube for hifi PH-16 is currently at the top of my consideration list.
I'm looking for general advice, is it worth starting such an adventure, will I see any benefit from using a pre amp with my current system.
Current system
Rega planar 2 with Rega Elys 2 cartridge, output 6.8-7.2mV
Arcam avr600
with a built in phono stage input sensibility 5mV, 47K, signal to noise ratio 88bB
Line input sensitivity 500mV-7V adjustable, 47K, signal to noise ratio 100dB
Ruark prologue 2 speakers
Many thanks in advance for thoughts comments and guidance
Paul
IMO the Arcam in it's entirety is decidedly the weak link.
One can significantly improve on that gizmo rather easily.. based on my experiences.
Concentrate on doing that..First.. is my 2 cents.
One can significantly improve on that gizmo rather easily.. based on my experiences.
Concentrate on doing that..First.. is my 2 cents.
I agree with Bare , that amp is crippling your system , i've yet too hear an AV amp that sounds better than a dedicated two channel model or even close.
I would forget about preamps for the moment and improve the amplifier first . As a suggestion the new Cyrus One GBP 700 would be a good match for the Rega and speakers , possibly overkill but would allow for future upgrades in both your front end and speakers plus the potential of adding a valve phono pre amp at a later stage. I can understand your enthusiasm in wanting to try valves but in my opinion used with your Arcam it would be wasting your money.
I would forget about preamps for the moment and improve the amplifier first . As a suggestion the new Cyrus One GBP 700 would be a good match for the Rega and speakers , possibly overkill but would allow for future upgrades in both your front end and speakers plus the potential of adding a valve phono pre amp at a later stage. I can understand your enthusiasm in wanting to try valves but in my opinion used with your Arcam it would be wasting your money.
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I agree that the Arcam is the compromise in the system which is driving the cinema components so that won't be changed.
I was considering a second dedicated analogue system just for vinyl possibly with valves, hence the initial question as a starting point, or I guess go for a valve amp or mono blocks and build from there.
I was considering a second dedicated analogue system just for vinyl possibly with valves, hence the initial question as a starting point, or I guess go for a valve amp or mono blocks and build from there.
Don't get me wrong the Arcam is an excellent amp for what it does but as you have considered , if you have the space and funds, a dedicated music only system as well is the way to go especially given your other components .
As you say though why not go straight for the jugular and look at valve integrateds etc .Might be an idea to post on the dedicated valve forums for starting ideas and suggestions.
As you say though why not go straight for the jugular and look at valve integrateds etc .Might be an idea to post on the dedicated valve forums for starting ideas and suggestions.
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