Looking for a Recommendation on a Phono Preamp

Darlington Labs uses internal jumpers for adjustment. Better than DIP switches, but not as convenient. Still, that means you spend more time listening, and less time tweaking stuff.

I'm a big fan of DL, I have the MP8B and SU-7 head amp. Excellent sound, great build quality, and the best customer service out there. Email them, and the owner will answer your questions.
 
knotscott said:
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The Bugle 3 is available as a kit, the Bugle MC is fully assembled - "This design accommodates virtually all cartridges available today, from MM to MI to MC."
hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com

Bugle MC - Phono Preamp

Bugle MC is the 4th-generation of this classic design. Gain and Loading controls have been moved to front panel (no DIP switches) along with a few other upgrades. This design accommodates virtually all cartridges available today, from MM to MI to MC. Specifications 40/52/58/64dB gain (1kHz)...
hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com hagerman-audio-labs.myshopify.com
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Are these bugle kits complete with all components?
 
MitsuMan said:
As a fan of Brian Cranston, I’ll take your opinions with a grain of salt.
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Well, with it mediocre specs, limited adjustability, and stupid dip switches, they should change the name from SOTA ("State Of The Art") to ROTM ("Run Of The Mill)... just saying it is old tech, especially for its $450 price... and it is fugly... it looks like something my wife would keep her makeup or hair curlers in :banana:
 
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At your price point, I would either be looking at oen of the EAR clones or one of the Marantz 7 phono stage clones with a tube rectifier. Both lend themselves to easy upgrades if that skill set is in your skill sets. Both are sourced from China but have pretty nice build quality. To beat them you'll have to spend considerably more funds.
 
You almost have to buy and try. Your ears, your sound.
I found a Fosi tube pre and thought it was much better than my HK 730 phono output.
Then I wondered if a $90 dollar Pre was really any good. That led me to a $300 SOTA Pyxi. I really liked that one, but...
A fellow I like on here was travelling the same path (I bought the Pyxi from him) and had moved up to a Darlington. Of course, my curiosity was piqued. These are priced above your budget, but worth mentioning
Richard the owner of Darlington Labs answered all my questions. Stellar customer service. I bought the MP7B and as luck would have it an MP7 came up on this site, and I bought that one also. I intend to upgrade that one at some point, but maybe not. I'm pretty happy with both and trying to resist the ever-present danger of chasing more shiny gear.
Good luck, let us know what you choose!
 
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JSanders2056 said:
You almost have to buy and try. Your ears, your sound.
I found a Fosi tube pre and thought it was much better than my HK 730 phono output.
Then I wondered if a $90 dollar Pre was really any good. That led me to a $300 SOTA Pyxi. I really liked that one, but...
A fellow I like on here was travelling the same path (I bought the Pyxi from him) and had moved up to a Darlington. Of course, my curiosity was piqued. These are priced above your budget, but worth mentioning
Richard the owner of Darlington Labs answered all my questions. Stellar customer service. I bought the MP7B and as luck would have it an MP7 came up on this site, and I bought that one also. I intend to upgrade that one at some point, but maybe not. I'm pretty happy with both and trying to resist the ever-present danger of chasing more shiny gear.
Good luck, let us know what you choose!
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The owner's name is Keith Richardson. And yeah, the customer service is outstanding.
 
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