Phono preamp best and models

[nailer]

When did i do that? I already have 2.............you thinking AVFan maybe?

It was a few years ago. Wasn't using mine and had a few other somewhat better pricey/newer preamps. You correctly pointed out that the DB was too good not to be used and needed a good home, not yours though. I've been wanting to mention this for quite some time, all in good fun, and the opportunity finally presented itself.

 

[marcmorin]

It was a few years ago. Wasn't using mine and had a few other somewhat better pricey/newer preamps. You correctly pointed out that the DB was too good not to be used and needed a good home, not yours though. I've been wanting to mention this for quite some time, all in good fun, and the opportunity finally presented itself.

Ah, OK...........I was always known as 'that damn morin kid' when growing up.........and sometimes it wasn't even my fault..........

 

[bimasta]

I still regret letting @marcmorin guilt trip me into selling my DB-1 preamp.

Nobody could ever guilt me, or seduce me, or hold a gun in my face to get me to sell my DB-1.

Well, actually the gun might do it — but only because I could buy another one.

But that might not be true. I called DB last month with a technical question, and spoke to the owner. He said "You're lucky you caught me. I'm hardly ever here anymore, it's barely even a part-time thing for me these days."

That could have a few meanings, but if it means he's closing up shop it would be beyond sad. Such a great preamp... and I've never even heard any of his other products.

Marc, can you shed any light on this?

 

[jblkef92]

Yamaha C-1 control amplifier. VFET phono pre-amp...manna from heaven.

Nice preamp, but quite flat overall. Solid, but not overly musical.

 

[jblkef92]

Try a Dynaco Pas-3X or Pas-3. Excellent value. Excellent preamp. Very musical and extremely smooth, yet precise. Will continue to climb in value.

 

[nailer]

Nobody could ever guilt me, or seduce me, or hold a gun in my face to get me to sell my DB-1.

Well, actually the gun might do it — but only because I could buy another one.

But that might not be true. I called DB last month with a technical question, and spoke to the owner. He said "You're lucky you caught me. I'm hardly ever here anymore, it's barely even a part-time thing for me these days."

That could have a few meanings, but if it means he's closing up shop it would be beyond sad. Such a great preamp... and I've never even heard any of his other products.

Marc, can you shed any light on this?

I had the DB-1's first iteration. Very hard to find reasonably priced in VG+ condition

Probably lack of sales. To bad because the owner is a great guy. I got mine about 11 years ago and shortly after receiving it the PS electrolytic crapped out and I sent it back for repair and a couple upgrades.

 

[vinylkid58]

Thanks but my assembly days are done. Last electronics thing i made was a Hafler DH-200 Amp.

That would have been around 1980?

jeff

 

[marcmorin]

Nobody could ever guilt me, or seduce me, or hold a gun in my face to get me to sell my DB-1.

Well, actually the gun might do it — but only because I could buy another one.

But that might not be true. I called DB last month with a technical question, and spoke to the owner. He said "You're lucky you caught me. I'm hardly ever here anymore, it's barely even a part-time thing for me these days."

That could have a few meanings, but if it means he's closing up shop it would be beyond sad. Such a great preamp... and I've never even heard any of his other products.

Marc, can you shed any light on this?

can't shed any light on the business, it was always a 'cottage" type business.........which this post might get me off my duff and send one of the DB-1Bs back in to get a different gain. I've heard the amps that were bridged to get 160W. like the preamp, very quiet electronics, ruler flat gain bias, and had as much "gorilla" as my ampzillas

 

[sabocat]

The Vista Audio phono stage is an excellent product. Boris does a great job with it. The Phono II is the one I would pick out of their lineup.

http://www.vista-audio.com/products/phono-2/index.htm

Regards
Mister Pig

I second this recommendation. I have the newest incarnation and the bass response is so good I don’t even have to think about a sub to go with my omega bookshelf speakers . Boris is awesome.

 

[mjw21a]

This PS audio one is really good, but no MC, and it doesn't come up for sale often. But they usually go for around $50.

Another good cheapo that comes up for same more often is the Realistic 42-2101a, again no MC. I got mine for $20 shipped.

I'd have to agree with respect to the Realistic 42-2101 .... The 42-2109 is also a fantastic unit

I'm enjoying my Sutherland KC Vibe. It took a bit of playing time to burn in but seems to have settled in to a very nice natural sound. Still waiting on my Samuels F117 to come back. Also a very nice pre...battery powered with gain/load setting adjustable vis knobs on the front. VERY convenient for adjustments on the fly. My. Pig has made numerous favorable comments about his Liberty and, more recently, the Valab he acquired from ebay.

Really depends on what you're looking for and how much $$$ you want to spend.

Yes, the Valab LCR-1 is the most accurate stage I've had the pleasure of owning . If you don't mind tube rolling the Douk Tube Phonobox is also incredible value for money though it's tube the combination that makes or breaks that stage.

 

[patient_ot]

The DB Systems DB-8 and DB-8HG are excellent. https://www.dbsystemsaudio.com/budget.html

I still regret letting @marcmorin guilt trip me into selling my DB-1 preamp.

Anyone know if DB is still in business? I contacted them a few months ago about something and never got a response.

 

[Harolda]

sony TAE-88

 

[Starboy]

That would have been around 1980?
yeah i think it was about then

jeff

 

[Mileater]

love the updated upgraded 42-2101a or 2109!! awesome littel units.

 

[mjw21a]

love the updated upgraded 42-2101a or 2109!! awesome littel units.

Yeah 3 of my mates, my Dad and myself (2nd system) all run one.

 

[OnTheBlitz]

The one built into the Yamaha A-S2100.

 

[Thunderbox]

You could look for a Denon PRA-1100 or the 1200 Has a great phono stage with great specs. This baby kills it all with one stone.

Specifications
Frequency response: 1Hz to 300kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.003%

Gain: 57.5dB (MC), 35.6dB (MM), 16.5dB (line)

Input sensitivity: 0.2mV (MC), 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 79dB (MC), 96dB (MM), 105dB (line)

 

[Tedrick]

I've got 3 phono pre's in the house currently. A Sutherland PH3D resides in the primary system. I have a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena (now called the Nova II) in a secondary rig, and a Dynavector P-75 on deck.

 

[bar72]

Parks Audio Budgie, quality phono stage but not the cheapest.

 

[mjw21a]

Parks Audio Budgie, quality phono stage but not the cheapest.

Pretty sure he's replaced this with a new model. The new one even has me interested.