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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Need phono preamp suggestions...
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Message started by ZZuZZaXX on 11/18/18 at 16:01:20

Title: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by ZZuZZaXX on 11/18/18 at 16:01:20

I am about 20% vinyl and 80% digital for the most part.

I have an older CJ MV60 connected to older Klipsch Forte II. On the digital side I have a Sony-something with a digital out to a Schiit Bifrost. I think it sounds really good. At least for me.

On the vinyl side I have a Pro-ject Carbon with an Ortofon blue MM cartridge. I have the turntable connected to a Schiit mani. The sound is good but a bit on the shrill side, ocassionally. I'd expect the digital side to be shrill but it isn't. The digital side is rather warm and pleasing to the ears. it is the vinyl side that is shrill.

Okay, here are my options based on budget.
1, add a ZBOX between the Mani and the CJ.
2. add a ZROCK2 between the Mani and CJ.
3. save up and get a ZP3 and get rid of the Mani or as I do, pass it forward to someone else in the family.

As it is, I'm not sure if options 2 or 3 will work but I think they would. Option 3 may take a year for me to afford.

So, can anyone offer up any ideas?

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by Geno on 11/18/18 at 16:12:36

Get a ZP3 and you’re set for life...
But you will need a better TT and cart to get the best out of it.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by jslateiv on 11/18/18 at 16:15:28

In that the Mani doesn't have any adjustment for capacitive loading, try switching out your phono cables if you have any other option on hand. The cable cap. will definitely have an effect on the shrillness in a MM cart. and that capacitance will be a little different between cables. I would even try using standard line level (not phono specific) cables as their cap. value will be a lot different than a phono cable. This alone could be a very inexpensive fix to your immediate problem. Worth a try at the least.

I would also keep my eyes on the Classified section and see if a ZP3 pops up. They do every now and then and you could possibly get one for a few $$ off. I'm currently listening to a ZP3 on loan from a friend and it is a VERY smooth, relaxing and just pleasant sounding phono stage. I also have a PSAudio NPC that I've had for a while and in comparison I can listen to the ZP3 on end and just completely relax. The NPC is great but the fact that it is SS is def. noticeable in comparison. Just looses that enveloping, wrap around you sort of vibe you get with the ZP3.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by pursuitofnow on 11/18/18 at 16:29:57

As others have mentioned, I'd go with the ZP3. It's a life time phono stage and will allow you not wonder about a phono stage as an upgrade. I've found one of the benefits of the waiting list is you can call Decware and put a deposit down which gives time to save up money while you wait.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by ZZuZZaXX on 11/18/18 at 17:23:16

Thanks everybody.

I thought the ZP3 would be everybody's answer.
Ok, here is a gotcha; Geno said I'll need a better TT and cart. Now, I'm going down the rabbit hole. How much better a TT/ cart? So, with the idea that I don't want to upgrade the TT/cart, what's the best solution? Is the ZP3 still it?

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by jslateiv on 11/18/18 at 17:59:47

I have to disagree in that the ZP3 will allow you to hear all that your existing gear is capable of.. Because it is not the weakest link you will not have to worry about upgrading it as you upgrade your other stuff,.. turntable, cart,.. etc.... It will prob over time make you start thinking about it though. Start with the ZP3, let that settle in and go from there. The cart and table are both solid and I don't think the ZP3 would be wasted on them at all. just my .02.. Geno is correct in that better equip. won't be lost on the ZP3! I just don't think you'll have to have better equipment to enjoy it off the bat.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by Archie on 11/18/18 at 18:32:54

I started my Decware odyssey by thinking I needed a ZP3 and Steve surprised me by informing me that my amp was my weakest link at the time. See my list at the bottom of my post and you'll see where I ended (HA!) up! :D

What I suggest you do first is put really good isolation under your existing TT. You can DIY very inexpensively. Until you've done that (maybe you have and didn't mention it) you aren't even close to tapping the potential of your current TT and cart. Vibration is music and vibration is noise/distortion. The trick is to keep the first while eliminating the latter.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by ZZuZZaXX on 11/18/18 at 21:07:06

My TT sits on a Auralex platform made for TT. The whole thing is on a solid oak end table that somehow is the perfect fit. The end table is thick and heavy so I think it is pretty good. I use blue jean cables for all the connections. Honestly, the sound isn't bad. Lots of bass, acoustic guitars sound great, and lots of space. it is just a bit too sterile for me. A bit of warmth would really make it come together. That's why I thought something like a ZBOX or a ZROCK2 would warm it up a bit. However, the ZP3 has now entered my head. I'm not a big vinyl head so I don't really want to go all-out on that direction. Mainly, I listen to acoustic kind of stuff on vinyl because I think it just sounds better.

Title: Re: Need phono preamp suggestions...
Post by hdrider on 11/19/18 at 03:23:02

Welcome to the forum. Save up for a year, get a ZP3 on order and be done with it. Happy listening and keep us posted on your system. Chris