Phono Stage question!

[Johnny Vinyl]

My Yamaha HTR-6190B accepts a turntable mounted with either a MM or MC cartridge. Does that mean I do not require a Phono Stage? Or is a Phono Stage also used to deliver better performance?

I have a Revolver Rebel Red TT with a new Grado Platinum cartridge and it is an amazing improvement over the Grado 8MZ, which served me well for many years. Just wondering if I could get more out of the cartridge with a separate Phono Stage.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

John

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

My Yamaha HTR-6190B accepts a turntable mounted with either a MM or MC cartridge. Does that mean I do not require a Phono Stage? Or is a Phono Stage also used to deliver better performance?

I have a Revolver Rebel Red TT with a new Grado Platinum cartridge and it is an amazing improvement over the Grado 8MZ, which served me well for many years. Just wondering if I could get more out of the cartridge with a separate Phono Stage.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

John

Congrats on your new cartridge; I'm sure you'll love it!

I think any half decent phonostage will absolutely blow away the one built into your receiver (which was probably added as an afterthought by the designers).

Be sure to take the time to align your new cartridge properly. It can take an hour or two, but the results are well worth it.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Congrats on your new cartridge; I'm sure you'll love it!

I think any half decent phonostage will absolutely blow away the one built into your receiver (which was probably added as an afterthought by the designers).

Be sure to take the time to align your new cartridge properly. It can take an hour or two, but the results are well worth it.

Thx richteer.

I love the Grado Platinum catridge and I imagine it will only get better as the time passes. I was looking at the new(?) GRADO PH-1 Phono Pre-amp and read some reviews that seemed quite favourable. My dealer has a PRO-JECT TUBE II, which he'll let me try out. I'm not ready to do so just yet, as I'll probably get hooked and will want to buy it. At the moment that is not in the cards as I have other commitments that must unfortunately take precedence.

The cartridge was installed by my dealer, so I'm sure it is properly aligned. He also checked it out completely and said to me that the TT was in great shape. I was certainly pleased to hear that. I know I can get a better TT, but my Revolver has huge sentimental value for me and as long as I take care of it, it should be with me for many more years to come.

I have another question, if you don't mind. What do you suggest replacing the standard felt mat with? I've read reviews on the RINGMAT product line and they also seem to have a good reputation? Would this be another worthy upgrade?

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

My dealer has a PRO-JECT TUBE II, which he'll let me try out. I'm not ready to do so just yet, as I'll probably get hooked and will want to buy it. At the moment that is not in the cards as I have other commitments that must unfortunately take precedence.

Ah yes, the C word. That rears its ugly head here too. :-)

I have another question, if you don't mind. What do you suggest replacing the standard felt mat with? I've read reviews on the RINGMAT product line and they also seem to have a good reputation? Would this be another worthy upgrade?

I've heard of the Ringmat but I've no direct experience. It does have a good rep so it might be worth a try, but I'm more in the camp of no mat if possible. My previous turntable (a Roksan Xerxes) had a metal platter with a felt mat, so running without a mat was out of the question. My current turntable (Forsell Air Reference) has an acrylic platter so I use it without mat.

I don't know if a separate acrylic platter is available for your Revolver, but if it is, that would probably be the path I'd choose. Actually, no it isn't. I'd buy a new turntable and keep the Revolver for the sentimental reasons you mention, thus sidestepping the whole issue altogether. :-)

[ryoohki]

Just for comparison. The Campbridge 640p 160$US phono stage absolutly destroy the one in my amp (DENON 3808ci) eyes closed.

[Swingoutsister]

Hey John!..I've been following your posts with much interest...I too have a Revolver...My pride and joy...I call it my 'Baby"!....And I am glad to say my TT is in fabulous shape !..you should see it..perhaps we should should start a Revolver owners club and compare notes!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Swingoutsister

Hey John!..I've been following your posts with much interest...I too have a Revolver...My pride and joy...I call it my 'Baby"!....And I am glad to say my TT is in fabulous shape !..you should see it..perhaps we should should start a Revolver owners club and compare notes!

Woohoo....finally someone else who owns a Revolver! And in the GTA to boot!

How old is yours and what kind of cartridge do you have? Phono stage? Mat...LOL......lots of questions!