Okay my preamp is a Rolls VP29. Sometimes when no record is playing it will make a popping noise. It did the same with my Audio-Technica. What preamp would you guys recommend that would mate well with my AT440MLB?
Well, they are probably both considered "vintage", but I have an Apt Holman and a Kenwood Basic C2. Both have nice phono stages for "budget" pre-amps (I paid $100 for the Kenny). MM and MC capability and adjustable cartridge loading on both units.
There are a few folks that will upgrade the APT Holman to supposedly higher performance levels.
The Kenwood has a weak point, the balance pot. Mine still works fine, but I never run anything other than straight up, so I would by-pass it if it ever went wonky...