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  1. #1
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    Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Please give me some real world experiences and suggestions.
    Under $5k, must have balanced out (balanced in a plus), high enough gain for low output MC but also at home with MM or MI cartridges. I lean more towards open holographic presentation.
    A few I have considered. PS Audio Stellar, Parasound JC3+, BAT Vk-P6, Pass XP-17
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
    MSB Premier
    Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
    Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
    PS Audio Powerplant 15

  2. #2
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    In the sub 5k price point I like what you have chosen and I'll add ........

    ModWright Instruments | PH 9.0 Tube Phono Stage

    not sure if it will fulfill your balanced requirements though ........
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  3. #3
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    If a bit above 5k is ok, I will give a try to the Zesto audio phono Andros 2
    Analogue source: Kuzma R, 4 Point 11’, ZYX Ultimate Omega GH
    Digital source: Lumin T2, NUC8 i5, Roon Rock, network connected.
    Amplification:Zesto Andros 1.2, Luxman C-900u, Karan KAS 400.
    Speakers: Magico S3 MKII
    Cables: interconect: Neotech RCA NEI 3001 (phono to preamp) all other Nordost Heimdall II XLR speakers: Nordost Heimdall II
    Power:
    ISOL 8 Minisub Wave, main Neotech NEP 3001, all other DH labs.

  4. #4
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Pass XP17. We had it in the store and loved it.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
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  5. #5
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    I really enjoy my SimAudio NEO 310LP. It comes in at about $2k, has both SE and Balanced outputs (one of the reason I went with this one was the Balanced outs). Has a slew of settings for both MM and MC cartridges including gain up to 66db. When using the Balanced outputs the gain goes up to 72db. The 310 is also built like a tank using thick metal casing and the Toroidal Power Transformer is separated and isolated internally.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  6. #6
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    hifi:
    power: Audioplan Powerstar, Audioplan Finefilter, Audioplan Powerplant, Powercord
    tube amp: Jadis DA 50 Signature RC, Line Magnetic 508ia
    speaker: Living Voice Avatar 2
    turntable: Pro-Ject Xtension 10 + Ortofon Quintet Black MC
    phono stage: Remton 383 MKII
    cables: Audioplan Musicable bic 7a, Profigold, Wilbrand

    home-cinema: Sony blu-ray, Yamaha rx v2700, Heco Metas 700 (4x), Heco center

  7. #7
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    I have used Pass XOno, Ayre, BAT VK P-5 & P-10, and conrad-johnson. I love the CJ
    Jim
    ‐--‐-----‐------------‐----------------------------------------------------------
    Esoteric N-05xd, Luxman d08u, Gryphon Diablo-300, Revel Studio2

    Conrad Johnson Premier15 phono, ART-2 pre, Premier8A mono, Lumin T2, VPI Classic3, Magnepan 3.7

  8. #8
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Audiospecials Phonolab (current euro puts it closer to $6k) has balanced inputs, two fully separate phono inputs (not on an input switch) and transformer balanced outputs. I am their USA dealer with inherent bias so won't comment on subjective qualities, but is technically superb. One to consider amongst the other excellent ones mentioned already.

  9. #9
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    I’m likely breaking a rule here, but i have a Parasound jc3+ in the marketplace. All of those discussed here work well.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Amplification: DartZeel 468 (2) // DartZeel NHB18NS Mk. II
    Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
    Table/Cart: J.Sikora Reference // Integrity HiFi Tru-Glider - DSAudio GrandMaster EX // Integrity HiFI Tru-Glider - Ortofon A Mono
    Equalizer/Phono Pre: DSAudio Master3
    Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL Six Pack of REL Carbon Specials
    Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk3, QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6 (chassis), QK1 (2), QV2 (2), Chord GroundAray (signal), Chord Line Aray (3), Chord Professional, AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
    DAC/Serv-stream: LampiZator Horizon/ Taiko Extreme
    Elrod Master Statement Diamond SE Speaker Cables
    Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (7), Evolution Acoustics 50 ohm (Zeel Connection), Nordost Odin2 IC (2), Nordost Valhalla II USB, CH Acoustic X20 IC, Final Touch Audio Elara PCs (6)
    AudioDesk Systeme RCM
    CMS Ultra 2.0 Footers TT (2) and TD (2), Revopods (2) and SortKones and EVPs where they work
    Critical Mass Systems Ultra-Q Rack > Silence Focus Amp Stands

  10. #10
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Esoteric E-03 (latest version is E-02) worked well for me with MM,MC and MI though single ended only. Accepts two inputs and up-front load adjustments. Currrently using a Viva Fono that I like a lot but it's MC only.

  11. #11
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Well, that PS Audio Stellar would be on my list too. Great review by Mikey Fremer. And a very nice price if it delivers as stated. Definitely worthy of an audition.

  12. #12
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    There are many great phono amps. If you want flexibility have a look at the Octave phono module.
    Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.

  13. #13
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Also you can look at Modwright PH 9.0
    A tube phono with MM and MC input. You can have a balance output.
    I have one and love it.
    Modwright KWH 225i + PH 9.0 - Rega P8 + Ania Pro - Audiolab 9000CDT - Elac AF-61/Gaia II - Luna Cable Mauve

  14. #14
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    I have a BAT VK-P5 that was factory upgraded to the p10 output stage and 6 pak output caps. The guts look like a P10 without the built in step up transformers. It is a great sounding phono stage. Used VK-P10’s come up for well within your budget and it would check all the boxes.
    Amplification: BAT VK-3i, BAT VK-200
    Speakers: Infinity RS7 Kappa
    Analog: Sota Star, SME M2-9, Sound Smith Aida, BAT VK-P5 6 Pak Plus
    Digital: Audirvana/Tidal, Sonos Connect, Denon DCD-1560, Emotiva XDA-1
    Power: ​PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    Cable:Harmonic Technology AC-11 Power, Audio Sensibility Impact SE PC OCC phono, Neotech NEI-3002 PC OCC balanced Interconnects, Acoustic Zen Satori PC OCC speaker cable.

  15. #15
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    There is a BAT VK P-12 on Audiogon for less than $5K.
    Amplification: BAT VK-3i, BAT VK-200
    Speakers: Infinity RS7 Kappa
    Analog: Sota Star, SME M2-9, Sound Smith Aida, BAT VK-P5 6 Pak Plus
    Digital: Audirvana/Tidal, Sonos Connect, Denon DCD-1560, Emotiva XDA-1
    Power: ​PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    Cable:Harmonic Technology AC-11 Power, Audio Sensibility Impact SE PC OCC phono, Neotech NEI-3002 PC OCC balanced Interconnects, Acoustic Zen Satori PC OCC speaker cable.

  16. #16
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Has anyone heard the Boulder 508? Thinking of simplifying my system somewhat. On/off switch, and MC/MM switch as only choices. Perhaps cartridge choice would be a bit more limited.
    Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
    Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
    Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
    Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
    Headphone : BHSE + Voce

  17. #17
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by Bones13 View Post
    Has anyone heard the Boulder 508? Thinking of simplifying my system somewhat. On/off switch, and MC/MM switch as only choices. Perhaps cartridge choice would be a bit more limited.
    Boulder 508 Phonostage - TAS Review

  18. #18
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Oh, I’ve done my googling (well DuckDuckGo-ing) , asking about experiences from people here.
    Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
    Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
    Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
    Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
    Headphone : BHSE + Voce

  19. #19
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Manley Chinook, some can be found for under $2000 used. A little tube roll and bingo.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  20. #20
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by Bones13 View Post
    Oh, I’ve done my googling (well DuckDuckGo-ing) , asking about experiences from people here.
    What are you trying to simplify vis a vis your K&K ?

  21. #21
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Each phono is different but being limited to 100 ohms input might be er...limiting

    ( btw the Phonolab offers 68db gain at 27 ohms output by rca &/or xlr or 74db at 100 ohms xlr ( which is the same output inpedance as the Boulder...)

  22. #22
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    Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation

    Quote Originally Posted by stax View Post
    Esoteric E-03 (latest version is E-02) worked well for me with MM,MC and MI though single ended only. Accepts two inputs and up-front load adjustments. Currrently using a Viva Fono that I like a lot but it's MC only.
    I agree.
    I had it.
    I replaced it now.

    Envoyé de mon Note 9P en utilisant Tapatalk
    Marantz SA7S1/GRIMM AUDIO CC1/MARK LEVINSON 360S+TECHNICS SL1210 MKII/ORTOFON X1-MC/VPI CLASSIC 3 in rosewood/Audio-Technica ART-9/ESOTERIC E03+TAG MC LAREN T32R+JEFF ROWLAND CORUS+JEFF ROWLAND MODEL 625+Magnepan 3.7i+Cables line: all Furutech lineflux+power cord DIY

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Phono Preamp Recommendation

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