[jrdcesq]

Does anyone have experience with the MC phono preamp? It is in my price range (b/t $700 -$1200) and its tubes which I really want. Other suggestions would be appreciated. Either new or used. I have a SOTA Nova TT and a van den hul MC 1 super special (1.2 mV) on a Grahm 1.5 t tonearm.

thanks
john

[Marbles]

This is your lucky day!!

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=16635

[Carlman]

I haven't heard the Concerto but I'm presently auditioning an Eastern Electric Phono preamp from Bill at Morningstar.  I love it.  It's the best phono preamp I've ever heard.  

Previous to this I've had the Channel Islands phonostage and a very nicely built Hagerman Bugle.  I have a phono input in my DK integrated but it's not even in the same ballpark as the EE.

I was floored with the amount of dynamic range and extension... as good or better than cd players... Imaging isn't just good, it's perfect.  All I could say was wow.  I've listened to more records since auditioning this preamp than I have since I've owned my turntable....

Anyway, that's just my opinion... I'd recommend buying the Concerto and auditioning the EE from Bill and A/B'ing them... See for yourself what the differences are... With the deal you'd get from Josh and the audition (that's free), you've got nothing to lose.

-Carl

[JoshK]

John,

FWIW, you don't need a "MC phono" since your cart has 1.2mV output.  Both the EE and the Concerto will have enough gain for your cart.  The Concerto has two outputs, one with 45db gain (iirc) for high output MC and MM carts and one with 54db gain for medium output MC carts.  

I've poked around inside the Concerto and it seems very moddable and has a great PSU, if you are into modding/tweaking.  I have no experience with the EE.