[Mhalln]

I'm new to this site and have a PrimaLuna hp integrated tube amp with a built in phono. I'm asking your advice on turntable, arm, and cartridge suggestions that work with the specs below to have the most musical result on a budget. Mostly listen to classical and jazz. Saw the two lower models of Sota online and wondered about a good configuration with those for example. Heard the cheaper Regas but they didn't speak to me, might have been how they were set up though.  Thanks in advance!

Freq. Response: 10Hz-50kHz
Distortion & Noise: -83dB
Input Impedance: 50k Ohms
Gain: 42dB
Suggested Minimum Cartridge Output: 2.0 mV
RIAA Accuracy: <0.5dB @ 20Hz-20kHz
Dimensions: 1.26" x 1.5"
Suitable for both moving magnet and high-output moving coil cartridges

[woodsyi]

What loading options do you have on the phono section?

[Mhalln]

I'm not technically adept so I am not sure how to answer your question. This is what it says on the website: The Phono Board is an internal phonostage that connects directly to one of the existing line inputs on the PrimaLuna Integrated Amp or Preamplifier. (There are a number of auxiliary inputs and a ground available on the back. ) I know it is up to 70 watts per channel.  The website says - Each input has a circuit designed to present a perfect 100K ohm input impedance to the components you are plugging in.  Does any of this answer your question?

[woodsyi]

You say you want something more than the entry Rega type of TT.  I am not sure you are going to get optimum output from any set up in that range if you only use the phono card you mention.  It looks like it's fixed with 47k resistive loading with whatever (also) fixed capacitance -- no easy loading options without soldering.



Consider this short TNT article on MM phono loading.   If you have the time, this Vinyl Engine thread is a good read on cartridge loading. 

I don't run MM; only LOMC.  So I can't be sure but I think I would want more control than what Prima Luna Phono card offers if I want to optimally set up my TT with a MM cart at the level you want.

Just MHO, of course.

P.S.  What speakers and cables are you using.  Cable does matter with capacitance.  Only asking so we can give more informed recommendations.

[Mhalln]

Thank you for the information, I'll read through those links. I have B&W cm8 s2 speakers and synergistic research cables. I got a used Marantz cd on audiogon and with a good recording, the combination sounds like acoustic instruments in the room. Really amazing sound.

[neobop]

Hi Mhalln, welcome to vinyl circle.

Tough question to answer.  I suspect the PrimaLuna phono stage is pretty good.  Maybe you could find out the phono input capacitance from them.  Most HO carts are sensitive to capacitance loading, and knowing that would be helpful.  In the mean time we're looking for a cart to go into 50Kohm with >2mV out.

Since you're looking for an entire record player, what are your parameters?  New or used?  Price range? 
What have you heard beside the Rega, and what didn't you like about Rega?   Listeners have different sensibilities.  Knowing some of your preferences would help narrow it down.
neo

[sunnydaze]

.........
I don't run MM; only LOMC.  So I can't be sure but I think I would want more control than what Prima Luna Phono card offers if I want to optimally set up my TT with a MM cart at the level you want.

Just MHO, of course.

P.S.  What speakers and cables are you using.  Cable does matter with capacitance.  Only asking so we can give more informed recommendations.

I don't agree.  Like you, I like flexibility, but good results are possible without it.

There are many MM carts (and a few HOMC ones) that will work great into the standard MM phono input of approx. 40db gain, 47k load. 

I own a few and they all sound excellent run that way in my system:  Clearaudio Maestro,  Cartridge Man Music Maker mk3,  Dynavector 20X-H.  No adjusting or tweaking required.  Just run into the bog standard MM settings. 

In the past I also ran Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood, SAE 1000E, Benz Glider (and others long forgotten) the same way, to excellent results.

For context, phono stages used:  JuicyMusic Blueberry Xtreme,  JuicyMusic Tercel,  Graaf, Joule, K and K, Manley Control Master, Parks Audio Budgie,  Blue Circle BC-27 pi, Jasmine 2.0, Vista Audio........and certainly some others that escape my memory.
      

[Mhalln]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I didn't go beyond my budget comfort level listening with Rega and what I heard didn't draw me into the music. It was accurate, just not involving and didn't have a sense of depth to me. I'll find out the phono input capacitance. Regarding what I'm looking for, I tend towards a warmer sound with a sense of relaxed space and don't like bright and etched sounds. I know I have to compromise in the 2 or so range but I hope to compromise in the right direction. The PrimaLuna is super, the cables are really musical, the speakers continue to surprise me with what they can do, so I know they'll do well with the right source. Thanks again all!

[roboss38]

I had the phono board in my old Primaluna Prologue 3 pre-amp, and it sounds really good for what it is.

What is your budget as far as turntable and cartridge go?