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Thread: Phono Preamp Recommendation
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February 22, 2021, 06:27 PM #1
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-17Marty
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
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February 23, 2021, 10:33 AM #2
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
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February 23, 2021, 11:01 AM #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.
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February 23, 2021, 11:05 AM #4
Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
Pass XP17. We had it in the store and loved it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy 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."
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February 23, 2021, 12:40 PM #5
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) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
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February 23, 2021, 01:56 PM #6
Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
EAR 88PB
EAR - 88PB Tube Phono Preamplifier - JaguarAudioDesign.com
with volume control.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
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February 23, 2021, 03:20 PM #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
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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
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March 26, 2021, 11:53 AM #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.
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March 26, 2021, 02:01 PM #9
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 ProAmplification: 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
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March 26, 2021, 11:20 PM #10
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- Mar 2019
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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.
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March 27, 2021, 11:33 PM #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.
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April 3, 2021, 11:28 AM #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.
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April 3, 2021, 02:43 PM #13
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
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April 4, 2021, 10:41 AM #14
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.
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April 6, 2021, 06:52 AM #15
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.
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April 6, 2021, 08:32 PM #16
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
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April 6, 2021, 09:27 PM #17
Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
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April 6, 2021, 09:30 PM #18
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
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April 7, 2021, 08:14 AM #19
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)
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April 7, 2021, 02:16 PM #20
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April 7, 2021, 02:44 PM #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...)
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August 14, 2021, 01:19 AM #22
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Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
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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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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