02-Dec-2018, 05:22
I have been using the phonostage with my Rega RP8 and Exact MM cart, and I find it really excellent. However if I were to use an MC cart I would probably look at an external phono stage. Frankly I think if you are a very keen record listener, or have invested in a £20K analogue frontend, then Devialet should not be on the top of your list for amplification. I think Devialet has included the phono stage for myth busting that digital amplification can't sound as good as the traditional class A or class A/B designs. Is it a gimmick absolutely not, however Devialet as a platform is geared more towards the digital model of music playback. I have heard the famous hiss with my 440 Pro and it starts at around -22db with a Rega Apheta cart. I have to add though that -22db is really loud for me and I hardly ever play music at those levels and tend to stay within -35 to -30 db range.
SOtM sMS-200-Ultra, SOtM sPS-500, Melco N1A, Rega RP8 (Exact 2), Core Infinity D440 Pro (2 x D220 Pro), Audioquest Diamond Ethernet, USB, Audioquest Castle Rock, Sonus Faber Olympica I.
