Phono Preamp

audiobliss
audiobliss Posts: 12,518
edited January 2008 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
Since I put my Dodd ELP in the line-up, I haven't been able to spin any vinyl; and I'm missing it. :(

So, I need a phono pre. My budget is limited. I want something hopefully a little more than decent, but in the $100 - $200 range. If not much pops up, I'll probably just end up going with something like Parasound's ZPhono for ~$160 or however much it is.

So, what have you got available? Or, is there something else you'd recommend looking at?
George Grand wrote: »
Jstas wrote: »
Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
In Use
PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
Epson 8700UB
In Storage
[Home Audio]
Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
[Car Audio]
Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
Post edited by audiobliss on
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Comments

  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited September 2007
    You can always buy an inexpinsive little reciever with phono input and loop it through to your rig.
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    That's a good point to keep in mind. I could just hook-up my P/HP-850. But I'm hoping for something with a little better phono section, not to mention I'm using that in another system now.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited September 2007
    What about something like this?

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1CA540P
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    Hey, that actually looks pretty nice. I overlooked that one. Thanks for pointing it out!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    Would that Cambridge be better than the Parasound stage though....?
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    I don't know. That's a good question. At least with that unit I could still use the Parasound in my second system.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited September 2007
    audiobliss wrote: »
    I don't know. That's a good question. At least with that unit I could still use the Parasound in my second system.

    If the Parasound is being used, it really doesnt matter wether its better or not. Still, with the money you want to spend, not much to loose.

    You could probably sell it here if it doesnt work out, but I dont see why it wouldnt work out for you.

    Cambridge has been around for a while, I've read that they make good electronics.
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jakelm
    jakelm Posts: 4,081
    edited September 2007
    Might be a good hobby if your into upgrading parts inside of it.

    Gold plated connections, lowe voltage requirement. Descrete circuit.
    Monitor 7b's front
    Monitor 4's surround
    Frankinpolk Center (2 mw6503's with peerless tweeter)
    M10's back surround
    Hafler-200 driving patio Daytons
    Tempest-X 15" DIY sub w/ Rythmik 350A plate amp
    Dayton 12" DVC w/ Rythmik 350a plate amp
    Harman/Kardon AVR-635
    Oppo 981hd
    Denon upconvert DVD player
    Jennings Research (vintage and rare)
    Mit RPTV WS-55513
    Tosh HD-XA1
    B&K AV5000


    Dont BAN me Bro!!!!:eek:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    audiobliss wrote: »
    That's a good point to keep in mind. I could just hook-up my P/HP-850. But I'm hoping for something with a little better phono section, not to mention I'm using that in another system now.

    Just referring to :
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    Oh, well I was probably speaking out of place, there. I have no idea how good the phono section in the Parasound is. Being as it's built into a preamp, I would assume an external phono pre would be better. But the Parasound is a great pre and has definitely surprised before.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kkerley33
    kkerley33 Posts: 21
    edited September 2007
    Another thought would be to look for a used Musical Fidelity X-LPS or X-LPSv3. You can easiliy pick one of those up for under $200.00. There have been quite a few on ebay and the "Gon lately.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited September 2007
    audiobliss wrote: »
    Oh, well I was probably speaking out of place, there. I have no idea how good the phono section in the Parasound is. Being as it's built into a preamp, I would assume an external phono pre would be better. But the Parasound is a great pre and has definitely surprised before.

    The phono pre in the 850 is the first one I ever heard and I thought it was very nice until I heard the Dynavector P-75 so I guess it's all relative.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited September 2007
    If you are willing to solder a Hagerman Bugle (hagtech.com) is a great phono amp. Really cheap with battery power or a bit more with ac power. I have had one for years and it has made better music that any of the built in phono sections I have compared it to. It has good detail without making the clicks and pops sound as loud as other phono amps. It is small also if that helps. I think I will be getting one of his tube phono amps later this year. Vinyl can sound very good with a good phono pre amp.
    Main system: Lyngdorf TDAI 2170 w/ Pioneer 42" plazma-> Polk LSiM 703 w/Tivo, Marantz tuner, BRPTT: Nothingham Spacedeck-> Pioneer PL L1000 linear arm-> Soundsmith DL 103R-> SUT->Bottlehead ErosDigital: I3 PC w/ Jriver playing flac -> Sonore Ultrarendu -> Twisted Pair Audio ESS 9028 w/ Mercury IVY Vinyl rips: ESI Juli@24/192-> i3 PC server
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  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited September 2007
    There's a Bellari VP129 tube phono pre on Music Direct's demo list for $198 right now.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    Nobody have one laying around they're not using? I guess I will turn to AA.
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited September 2007
    Well, I have a Pro-Ject Phono Box Mk2 that I'm probably not going to use for very long since I'm going to build a PassDIY Pearl Phono stage sometime soon.
    If you can wait a few weeks, I'd sell it to ya for $50. They sell new for $120.

    http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Phono-Box-MM-MC-Phono-Preamplifier?sc=2

    Not sure if its up to the standard you are looking for, but it sounds pretty good to me. There is a bit of noise on the MC setting (like most), but once the music kicks in, its pretty smooth sounding. The one I have is silver and its like new w/box, etc.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited September 2007
    That looks pretty sweet, and the price is definitely right. Let me know whenever you're ready to pass it on, and I'll take it.

    Thanks!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited October 2007
    Ok, like I said, 2-3 weeks until I can get my Pearl up and running.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited January 2008
    Just wanted to update this so I can reference it as the thread for the sale in my feedback.

    I just received the Pro-Ject Phono Box MkII from billbillw last week. I haven't put in much listening time on it yet, but so far I'm impressed. The biggest surprise so far is how much the durn thing weighs! It'll fit in the palm of my hand and yet weighs 1.25lbs! A solid little booger, for sure.

    Thanks again to everyone who offered suggestions and advice in this thread, and thanks to billbillw for a good deal on a good phono preamp!
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter