I currently have a Cambridge 840 integrated amp and works wonderfully.
I have a couple of things that I am looking for suggestion wise.

1. I need a CD player and a phono preamp. Would it be better to stick with all the same manufacturer or change it up? I know the cambridge phono stage and cd player come suggested from several AKers.

2. I have a vintage tube phono pre (layfayette nothing special) would it be ok to put that in with my modern system or should I go with above mentioned cambridge or something else?

I wouldnt worry about buying a phono stage from another company. It is a phono stage you are looking at? Cause in the strictest definition of the term, a phono pre-amp is used for boosted the gain of a low output cartridge, typically moving coil, so it can be used on an existing phono stage. Personally, I would buy a phono stage based on its own merits, not the fact that its built by the same company as the amplification.

One of the better sounding phono stages I have heard are the Monolithic ones, especially when used with the upgraded power supply. The designer for this piece now owns his own company, Channel Islands, and they offer an updated version. It's a fine piece, although I dont remember what it sells for anymore. Another piece I would consider exploring is the Hagerman unit. That company has quite a reputation for building fine units. Also, the Lehman Black Cube can still be had used on the net. Its a quality unit. If you wanted to go tubes and could DIY, the Seduction from Bottlehead would be a good place to start. Be sure to add C4S boards though, it really brings that unit alive. Friend of mine owns one, and its a nice unit.

Regards
Mister Pig

Ok so educate me.....what is the difference between a phono stage and a phono preamp?

I have about $250 that I can use betwen a cheaper phono preamp and a CD player. I might be able to add anohter 100. I know its not much but extenuating circumstances deem thats all I can spend.

Thats why I was asking about fixing the tube phono preamp that I have and using it. I was trying to keep my vintage pieces and modern pieces seperate. I know finicially it would be best to fix the tubepre and use the rest on a better CDP.

Am I putting too much thought into this?
Also the TT that I am using is nice just nothing special. NAD 5120

You might want to try and find the cheaper 340c (used) to match up with your 840 at least to start out with as far as the CDP is concerned. Not to hijack your thread, but how do you like your 840? My only complaint from the 640 is that the knobs are quite cheap, and the volume seems to jump way up when you have it set to low volumes - meaning if I turn it just a little bit it gets really loud quick. Does the 840 seem to have this issue?

TC

Phono stage and phono pre are just different names for the same critter. I mix old and new all the time. They work fine together, the Lafayette could be a fun addition, if you don't like the results, try something else.

I see nothing wrong with mixing brands, or new with vintage. If you got something that will serve your purpose, give it a try!

Am I putting too much thought into this?

Yes

Also the TT that I am using is nice just nothing special. NAD 5120


That turntable is much better than you give it credit. It is a solid entry-level turntable.

John

Ok so educate me.....what is the difference between a phono stage and a phono preamp?

I have about $250 that I can use betwen a cheaper phono preamp and a CD player. I might be able to add anohter 100. I know its not much but extenuating circumstances deem thats all I can spend.

Thats why I was asking about fixing the tube phono preamp that I have and using it. I was trying to keep my vintage pieces and modern pieces seperate. I know finicially it would be best to fix the tubepre and use the rest on a better CDP.

Am I putting too much thought into this?
Also the TT that I am using is nice just nothing special. NAD 5120


A phono stage is exactly what it sounds like. Its a gain stage with the necessary RIAA curve installed. Most phono stages are configuired for moving magnet cartridges, which as a general rule have a higher output than a moving coil design. Low output moving coil cartridges need another gain stage to be used in a standard phono stage. Their output can be quite low, around .3mv at times. So a phono-pre is used in this situation. It is essentially a gain stage. Some phono stages will have a gain stage built in for moving coil cartridges.

This is not a comphrehensive explanation, but it should explain the basic differences. I imagine you are just looking for a plain phono stage. With your budget I would try finding a used Monolithic from Audiogon.

This one would meet your needs just fine:Audiogon
Home > Browse > > Item: 1203010701 Log In | *
Channel island audio VPP-1 Phono preamp


Regards
Mister Pig

That turntable is much better than you give it credit. It is a solid entry-level turntable.

John
Well thats good to know. I knew it was better but wasnt sure to what degree.

I think money wise I might try to fix my tube phono pre first and if I like it that will give me more for a CDP.

Anybody have any experience with a lafyette tube pre?

I see nothing wrong with mixing brands, or new with vintage. If you got something that will serve your purpose, give it a try!

I agree.

A phono stage matches the low level signal coming from a phono cartridge to the higher level input that a preamp line section or a power amp input expects.

The job of a phono stage or preamp hasn't changed in the last half century, so there's a lot of equipment out there that could fit your needs.

You could even plug your cartridge into the phono input of a '70s or '80s Japanese receiver and then take the tape out from there and plug it into a line input on your Cambridge 840. That could be a very good low cost way to start out. Fixing the Lafayette could work just as well.

I have a yamaha c-50 preamp that I might just use the pre from it. I would like to get the lafayette working to try it out.