Looking for good phono preamp and what are my tube options?

TNHNDYMAN

I'm looking to upgrade the sound of my 2ch rig and have some Adcom gear coming from Scottyboy- adcom 5400 amp and GTP450 pre. I rotate a couple different turntables including a Realistic Lab 500, Technics SL-23A, and a Yamaha YP-211. Cartridges included are a Orotofon 2M red, Shure M97xE, and an older ADC Integra w/ QLM 32 mkIII stylus. These will be played mainly thru my Monitor 7's w/ Peerless and sometimes the Monitor 70's.

As far a phono pre's go I'm looking at some of the usual suspects- Cambridge Audio Azur 640P, NAD P2, Project Phono BoxII, but am open to anything including vintage pre amps with a budget of about $300 max prefer under $225. Looking for some insight into members recommendations as to what they are using and or used in the past with similar gear with good results.

Another option I'm considering is looking into some type of tube pre phono or otherwise. I've watched some auctions on the bay for the Yaqin MS-22B and the Bellari VP129 tube phono pre looks interesting as well.

I currently have 5 Fisher Branded Telefunken 12AX7's smooth plates w/ halo getters that test good that came out of a Fisher Console stereo I picked up at a yard sale last summer. I've been meaning to put these up for sale here in the flea market, but felt like I would regret it later if I ever got any amp or pre that could use those tubes and would not be able to affort to rebuy them to try rolling later.

So with all that in mind, what would you guys recommend as far a pre? Do I stay solid state or are there some good tube options out there you'd recommend. Of the tube stuff specifically what could I get that I could use a pair of the Telefunkens in? If I sold 3 of the Telefunkens and left myself a pair then my budget could go up another $150 maybe so where would that leave me as to some things to try/

Appreciate anyone's insight and help. Any tube gurus out there have some ideas?

thsmith

The Pro-Ject Phono Box II looks like a good choice. Over your budget but you have it listed as one you are considering.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/pro-ject-tube-box-ii-se-tube-phono-preamp

TNHNDYMAN

^ that one does look nice, and I could use my 12AX7's in it instead of the Tung Sol's it comes with.

I'm currently using this Art phono pre v2 and got it so I can eventually move alot of my vinly to the computer just to be able to stream it later. So far I'm happy with it but would like some more knowledgable folks to find something better for the 2ch main listening rig.

http://www.amazon.com/ART-USBPhonoPlus-Computer-Audio-Interface/dp/B000BBGCCI/ref=dp_return_2?ie=UTF8&n=172282&s=electronics

doctor r

The Tele smooth plates would be excellent in the Phono Box II. The Tung Sol are new issue Russian tubes that may be OK but not in the league of your teles. I have used the 12at7 "Fisher" smooth plate teles in my CDP with great results. Very extended and airy highs and nice base extension.

TNHNDYMAN

Good to know Doc r. I mislabled the Bellari I'm interested in, it's actually the VP 130 tube model that takes a 12AX7. Anyone had the chance to hear or use it?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/150763643579?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I've got several vintage receivers that of the lot I'm sure a few have a decent phono section, but am looking for something smaller that I could swap in and out of several different rigs I have set up in the house. I've seen alot of threads lately on different DAC's but not so many discussing phono pre's. Anyone care to chime in on a good one under my $300 budget. I remember seeing someone mention the possibility of selling a zphono? the other day so if the owner sees this thread feel free to pm me and we could discuss. Thanks- Travis

JuanR

quadzilla has the z-phono stage you mentioned above, you should PM him if you are interested. I had offered up my Pro-ject Phono Box II up to Scottyboy but he had already purchased something else. My Pro-ject is not the TUBE version, it is the regular version. I have both the regular and the SE models (non tube) and can say that I really enjoy them. When I was looking for a Phono Stage, I was looking at the Bellari VP130, Pro-Ject II and II SE, z-phono, & the Cambridge 640P. All of these have good reviews, and they are all relatively close in price, and the good news is that they are close to your budget (only the tube version of the Pro-ject II SE is a little out but you never know when one will come in to play if you wait around).

Juan

onebadchad

I have the main amplifier, its awesome... take a look, its on the bottom of the page.. hand built in good OL Usa
http://www.waamamps.com/waamampsstereotubeamplifiers.html

TNHNDYMAN

JuanR- pm me about your Pro-ject Phono Box II and what you want for it. I'm still researching but we might be able to work a deal. thanks, Travis

TNHNDYMAN

I am considering Juan's good offer and still need to contact quadzilla as well as see how a few auctions pan out that I'm following. Still open to other suggestions and or offers. Thanks.

thsmith

The 640 and the Z phono are both good entry level phono stages with very similiar sound, IMO.

I have had both in my system.

TNHNDYMAN

^ of the two which did you prefer and what are strengths and weakness of either? I'm considering the 640 and then adding the upgraded Pangea power supply for an extra $99 after reading multiple reviews stating the difference was significant w/ upgraded power supply. I'd still love to try something tube based, just don't think any of the Bellari's will fit in my budget for now.

Toolfan66

What about the Jolida JD9? I know they hit about 3bills but I love mine..

TNHNDYMAN

Did some research on the Jolida and it looks very nice. Can't afford one new, but will definately keep my eyes open here and other sites. Seems like a really slick unit. I read some of your threads about the mods you did TF and some on vinyl engine about the different mods possible. This is one I think I'll aspire to down the road unless a really great deal comes up in the next month. I need to get my sodering skills up a little more by redoing my 7's so I could redo the caps on the Jolida in the future. Sent quadzilla a pm and still waiting to hear back about his zphono, and am watching a Cambridge Audio 640 on the the bay that ends tomorrow sometime.

thsmith

It has been several years but from what remember I liked the zphono a bit better. No wall wort either.

TNHNDYMAN

bidding on the bellari is about over and for now I have a chance to pick it up. well see in a couple hours