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Recommendations For Phono Preamp

I had a Cambridge 640, an Emotiva XPS-1, and a Lehmann Black Cube, and I rank the sound in that order.

The Cambridge was fine for moving magnet, but sounded thin, I thought, for MC. The XPS-1 was clean and quiet and priced well. The Lehmann, though, was definitely a step up in the size of the audio image and in terms of realism. The base model Black Cube can be had for around $300 used.

The Emotiva gear I've owned has been trouble free. The XPS is on sale for $127 with a 30 day trial. But if you come across a Black Cube in your budget snag it! The dip switches are on the bottom and there's an open socket for adding your own resistor for custom loading. Both the XPS and Lehmann handled low output moving coils for me with plenty of gain.
 
DCMFan... Thank you for your thought/recommendations. As I mentioned earlier, I know someone who only used it within a two year period before it finally would not work, and without any help from Emotiva. This is why the XPS-1 is not on my short list. I will check out the Lehmann.

In the meantime I am still looking for other options.
 
Has anyone have/had experience with the Schiit Mani who could offer thoughts/impressions? I think the price is around $129.
 
Would you consider something used? If so, I'd recommend subscribing to Audio Karma ($25) and gain access to Barter Town. Some nice, affordable phono stages pass through there. If you really wanted to get the ball rolling, you could start a Want to Buy thread.
 
Always searching for a preamp to mate well and improve my system without breaking the bank, here's my 2 cents:
Simaudio Moon 110LP (Silver) from Music Direct on sale $399. Switches are inside, which I know you're not fond of.
On sale with a 60 day return, I bought it to demo thinking I'd return it in a week. However, after a couple of days burning in....it's not going anywhere. In my opinion, it's a keeper. Even if I find something better, for the price I'm happy to keep it as a spare.
60db gain for my LO Grado Statement Sonata1 (0.5mv) hiss and hum free. Very clear and natural sounding, I really have nothing negative to say about it.
I know internal switches aren't your thing, but I had to throw it out there after trying and finding something I didn't like about Jolida JD9, Grado PH1, Forte FP1, Hegeman Hapi2, Hagerman Bugle, Hagerman Piccolo, Acuras P10 and Audio Research PH1.
 
Montycat said:
Uh-uh. A mere $1700 over budget.
Click to expand...
Yeah I kinda missed that small detail. After seeing the OP's budget I think what he is looking for is going to be a tall order. I also think the Emotiva would be close to what he wants, but he is not to trusting of the company. I think the Vista is a very good unit but you have to take the top off. The Vincent also has a lot of happy owners and could work for him.
Sturgus
 
I don't think you could really do better than the Vincent PHO-3 if you want to run LOMC as well. Not for the price anyway
 
Best value for money all around use unless fanatic about loading etc is old reliable rotel rq-970bx
Can find used for $100 even less
Excellent build quality high quality parts very quiet can do moving coil moving magnet
Have to spend LOT more money to beat sound honest all around machine
Little push button spring switch on back to change from one type cartridge to other easy access
I have tube EAR old fisher lehmann and home made and hagerman too plus bunch of high model built ins rotel will hang with all
Also lot of guys play with different chip sets for this machine so if that your thing option there too
VERY quiet
JJ
 
heyraz said:
Always searching for a preamp to mate well and improve my system without breaking the bank, here's my 2 cents:
Simaudio Moon 110LP (Silver) from Music Direct on sale $399. Switches are inside, which I know you're not fond of.
On sale with a 60 day return, I bought it to demo thinking I'd return it in a week. However, after a couple of days burning in....it's not going anywhere. In my opinion, it's a keeper. Even if I find something better, for the price I'm happy to keep it as a spare.
60db gain for my LO Grado Statement Sonata1 (0.5mv) hiss and hum free. Very clear and natural sounding, I really have nothing negative to say about it.
I know internal switches aren't your thing, but I had to throw it out there after trying and finding something I didn't like about Jolida JD9, Grado PH1, Forte FP1, Hegeman Hapi2, Hagerman Bugle, Hagerman Piccolo, Acuras P10 and Audio Research PH1.
Click to expand...

Music Direct has a demo in silver ( I prefer black due the rest of the components) on sale for $325. A little bit out of budget but one that I am considering. I'm not sure how a phono preamp without any switches can handle all moving coil cartridges. If anyone has insight on this, I would love to read your response.

sturgus said:
Yeah I kinda missed that small detail. After seeing the OP's budget I think what he is looking for is going to be a tall order. I also think the Emotiva would be close to what he wants, but he is not to trusting of the company. I think the Vista is a very good unit but you have to take the top off. The Vincent also has a lot of happy owners and could work for him.
Sturgus
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I am familiar with the Vista but would love to read thoughts/impressions on this unit. Had my friend not have an issue with Emotiva, it would definitely be on my short list.I prefer to buy from a reputable company who stands behind their products. If you cannot give full support on their products, why make the product? I think this is a fair statement to make. Would you buy a product from a company who doesn't support what they sell? I remember doing a search here in the Turntable forum and there is a huge thread that started around the time Emotiva brought it to production. It's probably one of the biggest threads in this particular forum.

I am not in a huge hurry. I have an AR XB that has my attention at the moment, and to see if I can resolve the vibration issue. Package due to arrive tomorrow.

To Be Continued.
 
Boris at vista has a comprehensive list of different cartridges and settings for the vista preamp. I told him i wanted mine preset for the denon. He said sure. So if you know the cart you are going to use they can set the preamp accordingly.
 
Music Direct has a demo in silver ( I prefer black due the rest of the components) on sale for $325. A little bit out of budget but one that I am considering. I'm not sure how a phono preamp without any switches can handle all moving coil cartridges. If anyone has insight on this, I would love to read your response.
Click to expand...

Even better price than I paid. Price is new, not demo. Still 60 day satisfaction guarantee.
It's adjustable for gain, capacitance and load:
http://www.simaudio.com/DATA/PRODUIT/40_en_guide~v~phono-preamplifier.pdf
 
sabocat said:
Boris at vista has a comprehensive list of different cartridges and settings for the vista preamp. I told him i wanted mine preset for the denon. He said sure. So if you know the cart you are going to use they can set the preamp accordingly.
Click to expand...

Ok, now I know who you are talking about. The idea of setting up a phono preamp for one cartridge defeats the purpose. This is the same as the Hagerman Bulgie 2. There are three options to choose from, 40Hz, 50Hz, or 60Hz. For this to work in my system I would have to buy all three. This is not a wise decision. Having one to handle every cartridge is the best buying decision.

heyraz said:
Even better price than I paid. Price is new, not demo. Still 60 day satisfaction guarantee.
It's adjustable for gain, capacitance and load:
http://www.simaudio.com/DATA/PRODUIT/40_en_guide~v~phono-preamplifier.pdf
Click to expand...

We will be getting Christmas money, so I may be able to spring for it. To Be Continued.
 
Bubbalouie said:
I am looking for a phono preamp for mm and mc cartridges. I haven't found anything helpful by doing a search, which is the reason for my thread. A little info about my system.

Solid State Integrated Amp @ 75WPC
Tube Integrated Amp @ 40WPC
AR XB
Dual 721
Speakers Sensitivity - 90 or 92dB

I am open to a ss or tube phono preamp. I use both integrateds and plan on keeping them. At the moment I have a Shure M97xe and Grado Black mm and a Denon DL-110 mc. Sometime in the near future I would like to try a LOMC, which is the reason for both mm and mc compatible. I am currently using the Phono on my ss integrated.

This may see petty, but I prefer to have the switches on the outside of the preamp because this makes for easier switching without taking the cover off. I know this seems minor, but it is a must have.

It's hard for me to give a budget because I am looking to get the best for my money and I want this to be the one that will last me. If I can get one for under $200, that would be great. If there is one that is a better unit for a little more cash, I would consider this as well. The important matter is it must work well with ss and tubes.

I read an article regarding a tube phono preamp for solid state and solid state phono preamp for tube. I'm not sure if this is hype, or should it be considered? I would like to hear from both camps regarding ss or tubes and their thoughts/impressions.

I am open to any and all suggestions. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

I hope I have given enough information to you for your recommendations
Click to expand...

Will you have the 3 tables running in the same system? Would you like the pre-amp to have multiple inputs? Will you still be using the phono from your integrated? You may have to see if you can find a DIY guy to custom make one or modify one that you like. Or you can do like me. I have 3 tables in the main system , and 3 phonostages. I just think that for what you are looking to spend, and the features you want it may not happen. If you do find this elusive beast please let me know. I will be in line to purchase one. Good luck in your search.
Sturgus
 
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