External phono pre amp recommendations?

Erik Tracy
Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
edited June 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
So, I'm considering an external phono pre amp for use on my avr - one with variable gain so I can match input levels between my other avr sources (BD, CD, STB).

Any recommendations or experiences other members would like to share?

I'm thinking of this unit here:
http://www.phonopreamps.com/TC-760LCpp.html

Thanks,
Erik

H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
Post edited by Erik Tracy on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited June 2008
    I have a Dynavector P-75 that sounds really nice.



    What's your budget?
    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
  • Erik Tracy
    Erik Tracy Posts: 4,673
    edited June 2008
    I forgot to add that - and I should have known better! :p

    $100-$200 is about what I can afford for now.

    Looks like that fine dynavector is a bit out of my reach! :o

    Thanks,
    Erik

    H9: If you don't trust what you are hearing, then maybe you need to be less invested in a hobby which all the pleasure comes from listening to music.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited June 2008
    Bellari VP129
    Works great, highly recommend, can be had for about $175.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bikerboy
    bikerboy Posts: 1,211
    edited June 2008
    What kind of cartridge are you using? If you can solder, you can buy a Bugle kit from Hagerman technology and can customize the gain when you build it. Best low priced phono amp for the money.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • strider
    strider Posts: 2,568
    edited June 2008
    bikerboy wrote: »
    What kind of cartridge are you using? If you can solder, you can buy a Bugle kit from Hagerman technology and can customize the gain when you build it. Best low priced phono amp for the money.

    My recommendation as well. You'll have enough money left to buy some new vinyl.
    Wristwatch--->Crisco
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited June 2008
    The mentioned belari the parasound and the NAD are good entry phono pre's.

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited June 2008
    The Cambridge Audio 540P. I have this one and it is a very nice inexpensive phone pre.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA540P

    The Cambridge Audio next step up would be the 640P....

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA640P
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,803
    edited June 2008
    Hagerman Cornet or Bugle; Bottlehead Seduction. Gotta melt some solder though.

    www.hagtech.com
    www.bottlehead.com

    The underpinnings of a Seduction...

    P1020763.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • analog97
    analog97 Posts: 328
    edited June 2008
    one with variable gain so I can match input levels between my other avr sources (BD, CD, STB).

    Don't believe anyone commented directly on your request for a phono pre with variable gain. Variable is different from adjustable gain, and raises the ante. I built the Hagerman RIPPER, which does have a variable gain adjustment knob. That is excellent. Apart from this, to achieve true variable gain, you likely need a lot more cash outlay. Just build a Bugle as mentioned and solder in the resistors needed to achieve the pre-set gain you are looking for. Cheap and outstanding!! I have Hagerman's Cornet2, Ripper and Bugle. Trust the recommendations for Hagerman products. You can't go wrong.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter