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If you had a choice between these 2 preamps...

Which would you pick?

  • Phonobox DS

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Gran Amp 2SE

    Votes: 3 100.0%
  • Total voters
    3
SpicySammich

SpicySammich

Well-Known Member
The Pro-Ject Phonobox DS or the Gram Amp 2 SE

Which would you pick and why? I'm running a Debut Carbon with Orto 2m Blue -> Sansui 2000a -> Focal 807v's

Thanks

P.S. I spin mostly dub/reggae and classic punk and alternative with occasional bouts of jazz and metal.
 
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I owned a project preamp and found the sound to be OK but just never did it for me with its sound which was imo flat and kind of stale. I now have a Graham slee Acession. a little bit higher up in the pre amp chain, but wow what a difference, nice full sound from top to bottom. Everyone's tastes and hearing are way different, I understand your trying to get people's opinions on these two preamps but honestly your not going to truly get what you want until you try out phono preamps and settle on what sounds best to you. With that said Graham slee does have the try it before you buy it program that's really good. Hope you find what you're looking for and good luck.

Audiofreak
 
Completely true. I was hoping to find someone who may have had both and would know the difference. Due to cost I will probably go with the Project but wanted to see what elese might be as good/better for the same price.

I was bummed to see the reviews on the Cambridge Preamps in that price range.
 
I opted for the Pro-Ject as they had a demo for $225. It arrived today and after being plugged in for 2 hours I started listening.

Thoughts: the sound stage seems a little larger, but not drastically so. There's heavy pronunciation in the upper mid frequencies. My test record is the 180gm repress of The Cure's Disintegration and the chimes and lead guitar in Plainsong along with RS's voice is shockingly pushed forward. I think "nasally" would describe it. I read 100 hours of burn in so I have an old iPod firing into the inputs and will let it run. Is this something that will change with "burn in"?

It's not sexy at this early stage. I admit. Which is sort of proving to me the pre's on my 2000a are as good as I thought they were (strictly by listening, not by comparison to anything).

Hmmmmmm
 
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