Phono stage on USP-1

[zetec]

Has any one used the phono input on the USP-1? I was wondering how good it is versus like a standalone. Like I was thinking of getting a Pro-ject TT, USP-1 and UPA-2. But I don't know if it would be better to get a Pro-ject phono amp as well.

[klinemj]

I have and still do.

I can't say I have had the best of standalones - two really old ones, one a Plexus, the other I can't recall. But, the one in the UMC brought my MC to life again.

For what you are thinking, I'd get the USP-1 w/o an external phono amp and see what you think. If you feel it is lacking, then you could try other options. But, I think you would very likely think it was quite good.

Mark

[zetec]

Thanks for the input.

Do you have a recommendation for a good beginners TT?

[harri009]

I think mine sounds pretty good, I did hear a lower level tt with tube phono pre and it bested my setup in the imaging but not by much.

[roadrunner]

This question seems to pop up every couple of months. Owners of the USP-1 rave about the sound quality of its built-in phono stage. Many of them had external phono amps and reported that the USP-1's was better than the external stages that they owned. The phono stage in the USP-1 is excellent -- better than anyone would expect at the price level.

The USP-1's phono stage was lifted from the now retired RSP-2. When I was researching Emotiva three years ago, I read every on-line review written about Emotiva's products. One of those reviews was about the RSP-2 where the author compared the sound quality of his reference external phono stage to the RSP-2's. He reported that he was shocked to discover that the RSP-2's phono stage was better than his $1500 reference phono amp. If memory serves, it was a Bel Cantos, but after all this time my memory is a little foggy about the brand name. At any rate, there were several reviews written on the RSP-1/RSP-2, and everyone of them raved about the superior sound quality of the RSP phono amps.

In the Lounge there are dozens of USP-1 owners who have posted about how impressed they are with the phono stage with their MM and MC cartridges. The great thing is you can use the USP-1 in your own home for 30 days, risk free. Try it... you will like it. If not, simply return it for a no questions asked refund. Happy listening.

[paintedklown]

Feb 16, 2011 18:36:23 GMT -5 roadrunner said:

Owners of the USP-1 rave about the sound quality of its built-in phono stage. Many of them had external phono amps and reported that the USP-1's was better than the external stages that they owned. The phono stage in the USP-1 is excellent -- better than anyone would expect at the price level.

I have read/saw/heard this very same thing multiple times. There always seems to be users who buy the USP-1 just for the phono stage, claiming that it bests stand alones in its price class.

Word around the campfire is that the phono stage in the upcoming XSP-1 is supposed to be even better!

[zetec]

Thanks all for your help. It's going to be a little while before I can buy this set up so maybe the XSP-1 will be out by then.

[jlafrenz]

I prefer my JoLida JD9 to the USP-1 phono stage. It gives me flexibility with onboard adjustments and the ability to tube roll.