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Suggestions for phono preamp...

FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
in 2 Channel Audio
Got my new to me ProJect table up and running... And guess who has an integrated with no phono pre in the rig for the table? Yeah...

So I ran out to grab one at my local vinyl shop and all that was handed to me was a Pyle unit. I wasn't thrilled, but it got the job done (for now).

Looking for better options please.

OR!!! There was a NAD 1700 pre sitting on the shelf calling me with the option to trade for it... It has a phono preamp...
«1

Comments

  • verbverb Posts: 4,772
    edited December 2018
    I’m on the same quest as you my man! My Rotel pre has phono inputs but the VTL on the big rig does not. Been thinking about the Vincent PHO 700 tube pre.

    I believe there are quite a few Polkies that are running the Vincent.
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Rega RP1 TT, VTL 2.5 Preamplifier, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs DAC, Conrad Johnson MF2300A Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Terminator2 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, Marantz CD-1 transport, Marantz AMP-1, Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus Subwoofer, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Project BoxE Bluetooth Streamer, Polk TSi200's
    Living Room: Pioneer SX-N30 Network Receiver, Pioneer PD10AE CD Player, Furman M8-LX Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi Subwoofer
  • verbverb Posts: 4,772
    Pyle? Really? :smile:
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Rega RP1 TT, VTL 2.5 Preamplifier, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs DAC, Conrad Johnson MF2300A Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Terminator2 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, Marantz CD-1 transport, Marantz AMP-1, Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus Subwoofer, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Project BoxE Bluetooth Streamer, Polk TSi200's
    Living Room: Pioneer SX-N30 Network Receiver, Pioneer PD10AE CD Player, Furman M8-LX Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi Subwoofer
  • FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
    Yeah!!! That's all he had, I asked. Granted, he specializes in vintage equipment which typically come with them built in.
  • halohalo Posts: 4,738
    The Schiit Mani is a solid option and it is very reasonably priced with a lot of great reviews behind it. Very flexible too as it can accommodate a wide variety of Mm and MC carts.

    http://www.schiit.com/products/mani
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Elac Discovery DS-S101-G * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade
    Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
  • tonyp063tonyp063 Posts: 531
    edited December 2018
    Take a look in the closeout section of their website. They have quite a few mani's there.
    A goodly amount of people speak well of the ArtDJ Pre II also.

    Don't be afraid to look at Chinesium too. I use a Little Bear T10 that is quite nice.
  • skrolskrol Posts: 2,702
    How would that Schiit compare to the Parasound Zphono?

    Parasound recently released the Zphono XRM that looks very interesting.
    Stan

    Main 2ch:
    Polk LSi15 (DB840 upgrade), Parasound: P/LD-1100, HCA-1000A; Denon: DVD-2910, DRM-800A; Monster HTS3600-MKII, Grado SR-225i

    HT:
    Denon AVR-888, Polk: RTA11TL (RDO198-1, XO and Damping Upgrades), S4, CS250, PSW10, Marantz UD5005, Panasonic TC-P42S60

    Other stuff:
    Denon: DRA-835R, DCD-660, DRM-700A, DRR-780; Polk: S8, Monitor 5A, TSi100; Pioneer: CT-6R, PL-530; Onkyo CP-1046F; Ortofon OM5E, Marantz: PM5004, CD5004, Polk: RM7, Parasound C/PT-600, HCA-800ii
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,314
    I've got a ps audio Phono if you're interested. Looks to be a nice unit.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • jdjohnjdjohn Posts: 558
    For less than $100, the ART DJPre-II is hard to beat.

    What is your budget?
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
  • halohalo Posts: 4,738
    jdjohn wrote: »
    For less than $100, the ART DJPre-II is hard to beat.

    What is your budget?

    That's my "backup" phono pre. It's nice but it only handles MM carts.
    skrol wrote: »
    How would that Schiit compare to the Parasound Zphono?

    Parasound recently released the Zphono XRM that looks very interesting.

    I had a zphono a few years ago, nice piece of gear. I think that the Mani is far more flexible in matching the carts.
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Elac Discovery DS-S101-G * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade
    Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
  • joecoulsonjoecoulson Posts: 1,754
    edited December 2018
    Arty, since I was a help in getting that table running, I might as well throw this into the mix for you, I have a Cambridge Audio Solo I am about to sell because I upgraded. Bought it brand new about 3-4 months ago. Sell to you only for $100 shipped. Have box and all that came with it. Basically mint.
    2ch: PS Audio Stellar Gain pre, 4 x Linn LK240 monoblocks ( bi-amping) Elac Adante AF-61's, SVS SB16 Ultra Subwoofer, Cambridge Audio CXN v2, Rega Planar 2 with Canaro 2 subplatter, dual belt pulley and upgraded bearing, Rega Ania MC cart, Vincent PHO 701 Phono pre with Mullard NOS 12au7, Audioquest Niagara 1000, AQ Thunder, AQ red river XLR's and Victoria IC's, Wireworld Stratus and Aurora power cables, Atlas EOS power cable, Denon 2910 (as transport) Sony CPD355 Jukebox cd

    5.1: Marantz sr5003 (feeding mains through HT bypass) Sonus Faber solo center, AQ Carbon HDMI's, Sony XBRx900E, Xbox One S as 4k player, Definitive Technology SM350's surrounds, Tivo Bolt, Harmony Elite remote

    Other gear: Totem Rainmakers (not hooked up) Sonos play 5 and play 1's x 2, Audio Technica TT and Edifier active speakers in kids room, JVC XM448 minidisc rack mount, Sony minidisc walkman, Project Debut III (currently not working), Samsung 46, and 2 x32" tvs, Samsung Soundbar, Okki Nokki LP cleaner, Second Harmony remote setup for bedroom, etc etc
  • vcwatkinsvcwatkins Posts: 1,846
    Used Jolida JD9 like this one on ebay, maybe?

    Can be modded easily and inexpensively to sound very good (pairs of caps, opamps, & tubes - see mod threads here, AK, & SH). The low height full width form factor is a plus in my den rig since I don't have room for multiple little boxes (and cables) to sit around.

    If multiple little boxes is not a factor, you might want to look at new Lounge/Coupla combo - excellent value, sounds very good with my limited range of MM, HoMC, and LoMC, and offers mix-and-match flexibility for future gear changes.
    Den: Rega RP6 * AT33PTGII * Budgie SUT * Jolida jd9 * Roon (Sonic Transporter) * PS Audio DirectStream Jr. * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Sunfire Signature II * PSAudio p3 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2
    Office: Roon * Sonore UltraRendu (LPS-1, WW Plat7, Iso Regen, Lush) * ProJect Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * PSAudio Dectet * DH Labs Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354
    Beach: Music Hall MMF5.1se * Speed Box II * DL103r * Lounge Copla/LCRIII * Sonos * Schiit Yggdrasil * Belles 20a Pre * First Watt F5 Clone * PSAudio Dectet * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl
  • treitz3treitz3 Posts: 12,684
    I will second the Jolida JD9. Nowhere near <$100 but a fine pre and it responds very well to tube rolling. There is a MKII for $50 more, FYI.

    Tom
    In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence.

    The best way to enjoy digital music reproduction is to never listen to good analogue reproduction.
  • verbverb Posts: 4,772
    Interesting little guy. Lot's of good reviews out there. Pro-Ject Tube Box.
    wedl8j43h5rr.png
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Rega RP1 TT, VTL 2.5 Preamplifier, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs DAC, Conrad Johnson MF2300A Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Terminator2 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, Marantz CD-1 transport, Marantz AMP-1, Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus Subwoofer, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Project BoxE Bluetooth Streamer, Polk TSi200's
    Living Room: Pioneer SX-N30 Network Receiver, Pioneer PD10AE CD Player, Furman M8-LX Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi Subwoofer
  • joecoulsonjoecoulson Posts: 1,754
    Love how that looks.
    2ch: PS Audio Stellar Gain pre, 4 x Linn LK240 monoblocks ( bi-amping) Elac Adante AF-61's, SVS SB16 Ultra Subwoofer, Cambridge Audio CXN v2, Rega Planar 2 with Canaro 2 subplatter, dual belt pulley and upgraded bearing, Rega Ania MC cart, Vincent PHO 701 Phono pre with Mullard NOS 12au7, Audioquest Niagara 1000, AQ Thunder, AQ red river XLR's and Victoria IC's, Wireworld Stratus and Aurora power cables, Atlas EOS power cable, Denon 2910 (as transport) Sony CPD355 Jukebox cd

    5.1: Marantz sr5003 (feeding mains through HT bypass) Sonus Faber solo center, AQ Carbon HDMI's, Sony XBRx900E, Xbox One S as 4k player, Definitive Technology SM350's surrounds, Tivo Bolt, Harmony Elite remote

    Other gear: Totem Rainmakers (not hooked up) Sonos play 5 and play 1's x 2, Audio Technica TT and Edifier active speakers in kids room, JVC XM448 minidisc rack mount, Sony minidisc walkman, Project Debut III (currently not working), Samsung 46, and 2 x32" tvs, Samsung Soundbar, Okki Nokki LP cleaner, Second Harmony remote setup for bedroom, etc etc
  • Dr_WuDr_Wu Posts: 100
    For your consideration, I've enjoyed the MoFi StudioPhono, with adjustable gain, impedance, and a mono setting. I wanted the additional gain settings for a low output MM cart. Now, I'm glad I got it because it also opens up the possibility of getting an MC cart.

  • FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
    I'll put it out there: tube rolling ain't in the budget, lol. I'm hoping to stay in the $100 range and @joecoulson the Cambridge might just do the trick, but some research is due. The Oyster cart isn't all that strong and a bit laid back, but that could very well be the Pyle pre...
  • vcwatkinsvcwatkins Posts: 1,846
    Sorry, missed the $100 range.

    With a 15-day return, I would check out the $129 Schiit Mani. I think all the Schiit gear I've had has been good value.
    Den: Rega RP6 * AT33PTGII * Budgie SUT * Jolida jd9 * Roon (Sonic Transporter) * PS Audio DirectStream Jr. * Joule-Electra LA-100 mkIII * Sunfire Signature II * PSAudio p3 * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 1.2
    Office: Roon * Sonore UltraRendu (LPS-1, WW Plat7, Iso Regen, Lush) * ProJect Pre Box S2 * Pass ACA * PSAudio Dectet * DH Labs Q10 * Brines Folded ML-TQWT RS 40-1354
    Beach: Music Hall MMF5.1se * Speed Box II * DL103r * Lounge Copla/LCRIII * Sonos * Schiit Yggdrasil * Belles 20a Pre * First Watt F5 Clone * PSAudio Dectet * MIT S3 * Polk SRS 2.3tl
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 15,314
    A used zphono is respectable in that price range.
    audiothesis.com/

    Speakers: Harbeth: 30.2, SHL5+; Usher: Be-10, T-515; Rosso Fiorentino: Elba, Pienza, Certaldo, Fiesole, Volterra; Polk: T50, Signature S15, RTA 15tl, RTi12; Sonner Audio Allegro Unum, Legato Unum, Legato Semis, Legato Duo; Emerald Physics CS-2.8; Klipsch KLF-20
    Preamps: Shuguang S200MK, Dayens Ampino, Parasound P5
    Amps: Shuguang S845MK, Dayens Ampino Monoblocks, Parasound A23
    Integrateds: Triode Corporation TRV-88SER, MastersounD: BoX, Dueventi, Compact 845, Evolution 845; North Star Design Blue Diamond
    Sources: AURALiC Aries, Denon HEOS Link, North Star Design: Magnifico, Supremo, Incanto, Intenso, Venti
    Cabling: Wireworld
    TV: Sony XBR-75X940C
  • joecoulsonjoecoulson Posts: 1,754
    So’s a Cambridge Audio...just sayin
    2ch: PS Audio Stellar Gain pre, 4 x Linn LK240 monoblocks ( bi-amping) Elac Adante AF-61's, SVS SB16 Ultra Subwoofer, Cambridge Audio CXN v2, Rega Planar 2 with Canaro 2 subplatter, dual belt pulley and upgraded bearing, Rega Ania MC cart, Vincent PHO 701 Phono pre with Mullard NOS 12au7, Audioquest Niagara 1000, AQ Thunder, AQ red river XLR's and Victoria IC's, Wireworld Stratus and Aurora power cables, Atlas EOS power cable, Denon 2910 (as transport) Sony CPD355 Jukebox cd

    5.1: Marantz sr5003 (feeding mains through HT bypass) Sonus Faber solo center, AQ Carbon HDMI's, Sony XBRx900E, Xbox One S as 4k player, Definitive Technology SM350's surrounds, Tivo Bolt, Harmony Elite remote

    Other gear: Totem Rainmakers (not hooked up) Sonos play 5 and play 1's x 2, Audio Technica TT and Edifier active speakers in kids room, JVC XM448 minidisc rack mount, Sony minidisc walkman, Project Debut III (currently not working), Samsung 46, and 2 x32" tvs, Samsung Soundbar, Okki Nokki LP cleaner, Second Harmony remote setup for bedroom, etc etc
  • halohalo Posts: 4,738
    vcwatkins wrote: »
    Sorry, missed the $100 range.

    With a 15-day return, I would check out the $129 Schiit Mani. I think all the Schiit gear I've had has been good value.

    B-stock is $99! 25 units available as of today. :)
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Elac Discovery DS-S101-G * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade
    Video: Panasonic TH-50PZ850U * Panasonic DMP-UB200P-K * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
  • FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
    Freaking rabbit hole!!!!

    After @joecoulson graciously offered me the Cambridge, I went and looked up the specs for my cart thinking I had a LO unit (turns out it puts out a respectable 4.0mV) and came to the conclusion that, although it's miles above the ion POS TTi was running, it's still a bottom of the barrel unit.

    That being said, now I have to get a better cart, and a pre to complement it. So much for a $100 budget :s

    So now the request is for a combo that plays nice with each other. Ideally the pre will have adjustable gain, be capable of both MM and MC (will stick with MM for now), and NO TUBES. I can't afford it already, and tubes will not help the situation. The rig will consist of 2.3s driven by either my 2400PE, or GFA 545, and a NAD integrated (c320 bee), or NAD 1700 pre (MM only phono stage). Let's try to keep it under $500 total for both pieces. Keep in mind that currently it's a Sumiko oyster cart mated to a Pyle pre, so it can't get worse than that.
  • motorhead43026motorhead43026 Posts: 3,040
    edited December 2018
    I have the Vincent PHO-8. It is a decent $300.00 unit. The sub 500.00 field is pretty crowrded, lots to chose from.

    The Vincent is on the warm side, which appeals to my taste. There are an online retailer or two, that give a 30 day trial.
    2 channel: Anthem 225 Integrated amp; Parasound Ztuner; TechnicsTT SL1350; Vincent PHO-8 phono pre; Marantz CD6005 spinner; Polk Signature S60's with ZU Audio IBIS jumpers; Cables: Wireworld Eclipse IC; Audioquest Big Sur IC; ZU Audio Mission speaker cables; PS Audio AC-3 power cords, all into a PS Audio Dectet Power center.

    All TV's sound enhanced by Polk Magnfi Mini's.

    Other; SDA2BTL's, M10 series II, M7C's, Hafler XL600 amp, RB-980BX, Parasound HCA-1500 amp , P5 preamp, all in storage. All speakers have had crossover rebuilds, resulting in a small fortune invested in Sonicaps, and tweeter upgrades.

    Political memes posted as fact and accepted as fact, are sign language of the ignorant, for the ignorant

    tonyb said " but even socialists can do a good thing here and there

    Social media makes dumb people dumber and smart people dumb and dumber.
  • jdjohnjdjohn Posts: 558
    FestYboy wrote: »
    Freaking rabbit hole!!!!

    After @joecoulson graciously offered me the Cambridge, I went and looked up the specs for my cart thinking I had a LO unit (turns out it puts out a respectable 4.0mV) and came to the conclusion that, although it's miles above the ion POS TTi was running, it's still a bottom of the barrel unit.

    That being said, now I have to get a better cart, and a pre to complement it. So much for a $100 budget :s

    So now the request is for a combo that plays nice with each other. Ideally the pre will have adjustable gain, be capable of both MM and MC (will stick with MM for now), and NO TUBES. I can't afford it already, and tubes will not help the situation. The rig will consist of 2.3s driven by either my 2400PE, or GFA 545, and a NAD integrated (c320 bee), or NAD 1700 pre (MM only phono stage). Let's try to keep it under $500 total for both pieces. Keep in mind that currently it's a Sumiko oyster cart mated to a Pyle pre, so it can't get worse than that.
    Oh, it can always be worse :D So you said earlier that the Sumiko Oyster is too laid back for you. I tried a Sumiko Pearl and felt the same. Do you have a preference of bright vs warm vs analytical? Some brands have a house sound that we might be able to steer you towards.
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
  • jdjohnjdjohn Posts: 558
    Here's a Dynavector P-75 MkII for $319: https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649481162-dynavector-p75-mkii-phono-stage/ You would still have room in your budget for a better cartridge, but of course you should listen to your Sumiko Oyster through this P-75 first. It may come alive for you B)

    I have that same phono preamp myself, although it has become my [cough] very nice backup for the time being. Don't let its diminutive size fool you.
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
  • Easy RunninEasy Runnin Posts: 421
    The price is right:

    https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/d/nad-hifi-phono-preamp/6759119015.html

    https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/d/nad-phono-preamp-pp-2/6768085970.html
    HT- Samsung PN50B860/Integra DTR 30.3/Rt55 Fronts
    Rt35i Surrounds/Cs1000p Center/SVS BP1000 Sub
    2CH - B&K MC-101 pre/B&K EX-442 amp/NAD 2400 amp
    Polk SDA1C, Polk Monitor 7, New Large Advents and Polk RTA 8T
    BR - Yamaha CR800/Polk monitor 5
  • FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
    Easy Runnin wrote: »
    The price is right:

    https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/d/nad-hifi-phono-preamp/6759119015.html

    https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ele/d/nad-phono-preamp-pp-2/6768085970.html

    Boom!!! I like it. Now I wonder if they'll ship it...
  • verbverb Posts: 4,772
    Geppy is selling a clean Rotel:
    https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/183914/nice-rotel-rq-970-mm-mc-phono-reamp
    Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Rega RP1 TT, VTL 2.5 Preamplifier, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs DAC, Conrad Johnson MF2300A Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Terminator2 Bi-Wire speaker cables
    Office: PC, Marantz CD-1 transport, Marantz AMP-1, Acoustic Technologies Classic Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus Subwoofer, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable
    Spare Room: Dayens Ampino Integrated, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Project BoxE Bluetooth Streamer, Polk TSi200's
    Living Room: Pioneer SX-N30 Network Receiver, Pioneer PD10AE CD Player, Furman M8-LX Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi Subwoofer
  • Easy RunninEasy Runnin Posts: 421
    If they won't ship, Send me the money through PP, I 'll meet the guy in Havertown and ship it to you.
    HT- Samsung PN50B860/Integra DTR 30.3/Rt55 Fronts
    Rt35i Surrounds/Cs1000p Center/SVS BP1000 Sub
    2CH - B&K MC-101 pre/B&K EX-442 amp/NAD 2400 amp
    Polk SDA1C, Polk Monitor 7, New Large Advents and Polk RTA 8T
    BR - Yamaha CR800/Polk monitor 5
  • FestYboyFestYboy Posts: 3,247
    jdjohn wrote: »
    FestYboy wrote: »
    Freaking rabbit hole!!!!

    After @joecoulson graciously offered me the Cambridge, I went and looked up the specs for my cart thinking I had a LO unit (turns out it puts out a respectable 4.0mV) and came to the conclusion that, although it's miles above the ion POS TTi was running, it's still a bottom of the barrel unit.

    That being said, now I have to get a better cart, and a pre to complement it. So much for a $100 budget :s

    So now the request is for a combo that plays nice with each other. Ideally the pre will have adjustable gain, be capable of both MM and MC (will stick with MM for now), and NO TUBES. I can't afford it already, and tubes will not help the situation. The rig will consist of 2.3s driven by either my 2400PE, or GFA 545, and a NAD integrated (c320 bee), or NAD 1700 pre (MM only phono stage). Let's try to keep it under $500 total for both pieces. Keep in mind that currently it's a Sumiko oyster cart mated to a Pyle pre, so it can't get worse than that.
    Oh, it can always be worse :D So you said earlier that the Sumiko Oyster is too laid back for you. I tried a Sumiko Pearl and felt the same. Do you have a preference of bright vs warm vs analytical? Some brands have a house sound that we might be able to steer you towards.

    Given that my current rig is already a bit warm and easy, I think a more analytical or slightly bright cart might help to balance it out. I know my speakers are capable of far more than the cart I'm running, so the search for a better match is on.
  • mhardy6647mhardy6647 Posts: 20,526
    edited December 2018
    were I you, I'd be careful of bright or analytical cartridges. :p
    Yes, I realize I am not you, but there are a lot of - to my ear - edgy phono cartridges. A whole slew of 'em have emanated from a company whose name rhymes with bawdy-oh plectnica, as an example :|

    Again, just the way my ears are; YEMV. :)
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