Concept 16.5 phono section?

[Axcel]

Just wondering I am eyeing a 16.5 and am curious about the phono stage. Any good? Any other thoughts /opinions are welcome..........like I had to ask:D

[kcollins4]

No first hand knowledge of the 16.5, but after all the rave reviews over the past few years here at AK, I'd find it hard to believe that the phono section was frowned upon.

[Marko]

Just wondering I am eyeing a 16.5 and am curious about the phono stage. Any good? Any other thoughts /opinions are welcome..........like I had to ask:D

I had both the Concept 11.0 and 16.5 for quite a while.

Imho, the phono stage of the 16.5 is not as well done as other aspects of the 16.5 receiver. By direct comparison, the Kenwood KR-8050 I'm using now has a better onboard phono stage, partnered with exactly the same gear that was used with the Concept.

And before this Kenwood arrived, a Bellari VP129 was also better than the onboard Concept phono stage.

The 16.5 went away. No remorse there.

[Susurus]

For a great phono setup, try a Yamaha C-4 preamp.

3 phono inputs including a MC, and front switches for your various cartridges - variable pFarad (100-470) and variable Ohms. Never seen a receiver with such things.

Variable bass & treble cutoff level.

Of course the hi/low filters, in case you have pesky Wow or scratches/hiss.

Finally, pure 'direct mode' or tone defeat that bypasses all that jazz...

Susurus

connect the C-4 to your 16.5 - or listen on good headphones...unbelievable.