I could use some suggestions for a good phono preamp

M

MusicDirector

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Before I spend money on a $200 to $400 cart for my Denon TT I need to take care of the downstream electronics first. I'm guessing that means a phono preamp.
I'm using a TCC TC750LC now because it's all I have on hand. I need something that will give me the best improvement while being cost effective when using a good cart with a fine line needle.
My budget max is $600. I am open to both new and used as long as I can get used without going through ebay, audiogon, craigslist or other risky adventures like that.
So are there any good phono preamps that will give me good improvement that would not be a sideways move from what I have now within my price range?

Thank you,
Eric
 
Eric your really limiting yourself by not trusting audiogon or others similar
You just need to buy off people who have good feedback.
I've been looking at us audiomart . If you don't use those sites you will be buying new
And that's great and safe, but for $600 you could get an awesome phonostage used.
I sold my fosgate for $1000 didn't even have to list it. Mentioned in a private message I was thinking about selling it and within 5 minutes it was sold. I was going to ask $1200 but since he was a friend I did $1000.
Phonostages on the used market sell faster than any other piece I noticed.
I've never been screwed on audiogon but I also don't buy off anyone without some feedback.
You should rethink you position otherwise you going to pay $600 for a phonostage that you could have picked up for $300-$350 used.
Just my 2 cents.
Best of luck
 
A used fosgate signature or a used Herron VTPH-1 or sim audio would be what I would do. The musical surroundings stuff is good too. More important to make sure the stage:
- isn't noisy (tubes or picking up rf etc)
- has loading options that will match your cartridge
- is capable of playing above your current cartridge in case u upgrade (big step up from 500 stages to 1-1.5k stages)
 
JJinID said:
My vote - Jeff @ AV Solutions is a dealer for these and sold one to my dad - he really likes it!
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+1 with the Phonomena II. I bought this from Jeff at A/V and have been very happy with it. I know Rob has one as well and is digging it too. I'm sure Rob will chime in soon. He has lots of experience with low cost phono stages as well.

Whatever you plan on doing, it's worth a call to Jeff no matter what.
 
Petro85 said:
Eric your really limiting yourself by not trusting audiogon or others similar
You just need to buy off people who have good feedback.
I've been looking at us audiomart . If you don't use those sites you will be buying new
And that's great and safe, but for $600 you could get an awesome phonostage used.
You should rethink you position otherwise you going to pay $600 for a phonostage that you could have picked up for $300-$350 used.
Just my 2 cents.
Best of luck
Click to expand...

I'd have very little to no problem purchasing form someone here at Audioshark (a lot of trustworthy folks here who take care of their gear and know how to pack and all that). As for places like Audiogon. Ebay. etc. just going by seller reputation comments is not enough for me. I don't know who the good sellers are and I'm not willing to play lab rat to find that out. Besides I can't use Paypal anyway. In light of that, I'd rather purchase used gear from here or from established vendors like Jeff at A/V, etc. I don't mind being limited if it means safety.
I need to save up the money, so while I'm doing that if I run across something used from here and other reputable sources I will certainly inquire.
 
So far, I have decided on the Phonomena II even though I won't be using any of the adjustments because I only run MM carts and don't like nor have the ability to run MC carts anyway. However, the fact is that the Phonomena II was built with folks lioke me in mind which is one of the things I like about it. I also like the fact that the money and effort was put into the components and execution instead of a flashy case and it's made in the US, the Shasta mountains to be exact. Also Mr.Yee knows his stuff and my friend Jim has spoken with him several times. The only difference between the Phonomena and the Nova II is that the Nova runs on DC and is double the price, but has the same adjustments and limitations (insignificant as they are to me). The only drawback to the Phonomena II that I can see is that if I ever went with seperates, I would not be able to use the Phonomena II without investing a few thousand dollars more for the item that would allow it to be used. In fact, I need to be careful because it may not improve anything over my $50 preamp I'm using now, but many say it will especially if I plan on getting a $400 cart or something. Basically, I"m taking care of the electronics downstream with a phono preamp to insure a better cart gives improved performance.
For the Phonomena II to be called an inexpensive preamp makes no sense to me because what part of $600 is inexpensive? $600 for a one trick pony such as a phono preamp is a fortune when all I want to do is play records on my AV system.
After I get the preamp I will look into getting a cart (that Shure is so bad I"m not even going to try it with a new preamp). If a new cart doesn't improve things then the problem is the Turntable itself and at that point it would be time to give up as I do not want a new turntable.
 
NorthStar said:
Eric, go with Jeff then (A/V Solutions). ...Right here.
...And you can trust all the members here at the Shark who are into analog turntables and all that jazz.
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I know I can trust the members here, that's been proven.:)
I might check in with Jeff later on when I have the money saved.

Eric
 
"Eric your really limiting yourself by not trusting audiogon or others similar"

Agree 100%. Having bought over $35,000 in gear ($70,000 retail) from sellers on Audiogon over the years without a mishap, I can attest to the wisdom of buying used. Yes, you need to learn how to identify the trustworthy sellers. I am also a seller. If you want to have a great system without throwing money away, it's the way to go!
 
MtnHam said:
"Eric your really limiting yourself by not trusting audiogon or others similar"

Agree 100%. Having bought over $35,000 in gear ($70,000 retail) from sellers on Audiogon over the years without a mishap, I can attest to the wisdom of buying used. Yes, you need to learn how to identify the trustworthy sellers. I am also a seller. If you want to have a great system without throwing money away, it's the way to go!
Click to expand...

How does one learn who the trusted sellers are on such sites without relying solely on "reviews"? I can't use paypal anyway, so it's really a moot point. I'd much rather purchase something from one of the folks here (most folks here know the gear they have and are dead honest and trustworthy) or from a reputable shop, that way I have recourse.
 
MusicDirector said:
How does one learn who the trusted sellers are on such sites without relying solely on "reviews"? I can't use paypal anyway, so it's really a moot point. I'd much rather purchase something from one of the folks here (most folks here know the gear they have and are dead honest and trustworthy) or from a reputable shop, that way I have recourse.
Click to expand...

Paypal is not required at Audiogon. I never use it. Look for a seller with multiple long term positive feedback- read them! Communicate. Ask questions. Then decide.
You may find something here, but the offerings are 1/10th of 1% of what you will find on Audiogon. Forget eBay.
 
MtnHam said:
Paypal is not required at Audiogon. I never use it. Look for a seller with multiple long term positive feedback- read them! Communicate. Ask questions. Then decide.
You may find something here, but the offerings are 1/10th of 1% of what you will find on Audiogon. Forget eBay.
Click to expand...

That's what I am talking about, there must be a better way that those who have been successful with such places like Audiogon, ebay and the rest know about that the rest of us don't. How do you know you can trust the feedback? To me, Audiogon is the same as ebay or craigslist only smaller. I just don't feel comfortable with audiogon, ebay, craigslist and the like. I'd rather be "limited" and have some type of recourse just in case. I can't afford to take chances with my money because it too is limited. I have to save up for months just to reach $600. (It's almost 1/3 my monthly wage)
 
There is slim pickings on Audiogon right now anyway (in that budget range for Phonostages). Your best bet is to speak with Jeff. He's known for pulling a rabbit out of his hat.
 
Mike said:
There is slim pickings on Audiogon right now anyway (in that budget range for Phonostages). Your best bet is to speak with Jeff. He's known for pulling a rabbit out of his hat.
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Phono stages are quite popular.:) Yes, I will be contacting Jeff after I get the funds saved up or close to it (I'm about half way there). I have a rather sizable vesting with Jim over at Osage who also carries it, but I want to check in with Jeff just as well as it might significantly less in shipping if nothing else since Jeff is closer to me geographically. (Osage is in the other side of the map to me). Shipping is shipping, I do it at work everyday so I know how it goes, but at the same time $10 is $10 if you know what I mean. I want to also check for rabbits.:D ~Eric
 
It just occurred to me that I should save up for a cartridge as well and get both at the same time instead of separate. A phono preamp won't do me any good without a cart. (I'm just trying to decide which cart I want amongst the three choices I have. One of them will take longer to get then the other two). So it's going to be a bit longer till I'm ready than originally thought, but that doesn't bother me.
 
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