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Thread: Phono Preamp Recommendation
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February 22, 2021, 06:27 PM #1Senior Member
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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-17Marty
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February 23, 2021, 10:33 AM #2Senior Member
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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
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February 23, 2021, 11:01 AM #3Member
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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 #4Audioshark
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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 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."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Avantgarde Acoustics, Avid HiFi, Berkeley Audio Design, Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Chord, Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, EMM Labs, Esoteric, FirstWatt, Focal Headphones, Franco Serblin Loudspeakers, Furutech, Fyne Audio Loudspeakers, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Naim Audio, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, SimAudio, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, Vivid Audio Loudspeakers, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
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February 23, 2021, 12:40 PM #5Senior Member
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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.
Pre-amp: Hattor Passive w/Tube Active Stage
Amplifiers: McIntosh MC7100 v2, MC754
Digital: T+A DAC 8 DSD; Falcon NW PC Server; Roon; HQPlayer
Turntables: Rega RP8, NEO PSU; Technics SL-1500C; SimAudio NEO 310LP, 110LP v2
Catridges: Rega Ania Pro; AudioTechnica VM740ML; Ortofon 2M Blue
Headphones & Portable: SimAudio NEO 430HA; Abyss Diana Phi; Astell&Kern SE200
Speakers: Magnepan .7 w/Magna Risers; Rythmik L12 (x2)
Spinner: Oppo BDP-105; Magnum Dynalab FT-101A, ST-2
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February 23, 2021, 01:56 PM #6Senior Member
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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 #7Member
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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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March 26, 2021, 11:53 AM #8Junior Member
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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 #9Senior Member
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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 ProAmplification: Accuphase A200 (2)//C3800// LampiZator MC2/Silver
Tuner: MagnumDynalab 108T/SE
Table/Cart: J.Sikora Standard Max // J Sikora KV12 > Lyra Kleos // Kuzma 4Point Eleven > ClearAudio Concerto V. 2
Speakers: TAD R-1 MkII, REL 212SE (2)
Power: Nordost QBase8 Mk2 (2), QX4, Qkore1, 3 and 6, QK1 (2), QV2 (2), AddPOWR EAU2 (2)
DAC/Spinner: LampiZator Pacific/ Luxman D-08u
LampiZator SuperKomputer
Final Touch Audio PCs, Elrod Master Statement Diamond PCs (2), CH Acoustic X10 PC (2), CH Acoustic X10 ICs throughout
AudioDesk Systeme RCM
Stillpoints and SortKones and EVPs - to near excess
Symposium Super Plus Platforms under subs, on top of EVPs
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March 26, 2021, 11:20 PM #10Member
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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 #11Senior Member
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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.
—Bob V.
My system: Etsuro MasterGold cartridge , AMG v12 turntable with ‘12JT turbo’ tonearm, bespoke LFD phono cable, CS Port C3EQ, dCS Rossini, INCOMING: Announcing pre-arrival mighty Pilium Alexander Pre & Achilles amp, Alsyvox Boticcelli X, Diesis Roma, Bayz Courante 2.0 Transparent Ref MM2 & Gen5 signal cables, Shunyata SigmaNR, AlphaNR, Zitron Python power cables. Shunyata Hydra Triton v3, Stillpoints. HRS. Acoustic environment optimized by Dr. Bonnie Schnitta of SoundSense.
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April 3, 2021, 11:28 AM #12Senior Member
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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, XLR Interlink: Purist Audio Design - Venustas 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 #13Member
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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.Simaudio Moon 600i v2 - Simaudio Neo 260D - Rega P8 Apheta2 - Modwright PH 9.0 - Elac Adante AF-61/Gaia II - Bis Audio cables
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April 4, 2021, 10:41 AM #14Member
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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.
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April 6, 2021, 06:52 AM #15Member
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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.
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April 6, 2021, 08:32 PM #16Senior Member
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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.
Amp : DIY FirstWatt M2x mono amps
Digital : Bricasti M12, Oppo 203
Analog : Technics SL1200G, DIY K&K Audio Maxxed Phono Amp
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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April 6, 2021, 09:27 PM #17Senior Member
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Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
Boulder 508 Phonostage - TAS Review
Originally Posted by Bones13
"Listening to Analogue music is an act of rebellion in a digital gulag" - Simon Yorke
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April 6, 2021, 09:30 PM #18Senior Member
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Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
Oh, I’ve done my googling (well DuckDuckGo-ing) , asking about experiences from people here.
Amp : DIY FirstWatt M2x mono amps
Digital : Bricasti M12, Oppo 203
Analog : Technics SL1200G, DIY K&K Audio Maxxed Phono Amp
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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April 7, 2021, 08:14 AM #19Senior Member
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Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
Manley Chinook, some can be found for under $2000 used. A little tube roll and bingo.
PassXa-30.5, W4S STP, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, HD650, HD800s, Dan Clark 1.1, OPPO 203, 105.
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April 7, 2021, 02:16 PM #20Junior Member
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Re: Phono Preamp Recommendation
What are you trying to simplify vis a vis your K&K ? Originally Posted by Bones13
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April 7, 2021, 02:44 PM #21Junior Member
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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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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.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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