Phono Pre-Amp for Thorens

[cybersp780]

Hello,

I am about to get a Thorens TD-160 and want to get a phono pre-amp to go with it. What is a good match for the Thorens?

I am looking to spend around $250 and was considering the Bellari VP129 but I am concerned with the hum people have been talking about. It will mainly be used to listen to through headphones and that's why I thought the Bellari would be perfect since it has a headphone amp. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[hifi_nut]

Check the various Project Phono Boxes available. Great value for money.

 

[JJJimmy]

No hijack intended, but I've never really thought about matching a phono pre-amp to a particular table. I always figured it was more important to match to the amp, with an emphasis on the type of cartridge (MM vs. MC) you would be using. Am I missing something? I'm planning on running my TD-160 with Denon DL103D straight thru my Yamaha CA-1000...

 

[cybersp780]

Well if it helps the cartridge it came with is a Shure RXT5, which I believe is MM. I am all pretty new to this so what you say might be right. Like I said it will mainly be used to listen to through headphones so that is why I thought the Bellari might be the best option.

 

[Mr. Lin]

No hijack intended, but I've never really thought about matching a phono pre-amp to a particular table. I always figured it was more important to match to the amp, with an emphasis on the type of cartridge (MM vs. MC) you would be using. Am I missing something? I'm planning on running my TD-160 with Denon DL103D straight thru my Yamaha CA-1000...

You're right.

To the original poster, there's a few AK members who've had great results with the Bellari. It's a nice, cheap way to get some tube sound into your system. I've used the Pro-Ject Tube Box II and was very happy with it, but that's going to be about $100 out of your preferred budget range. Just buy the best phono preamp you can afford, don't be concerned with whether it's going to match you're turntable.