Turntable preamps...

steveinaz
steveinaz Posts: 19,538
edited March 2009 in 2 Channel Audio
What are some good turntable preamps that don't require a second on the mortgage?
Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2009
    Cambridge 640P and Jolida JD 9A.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2009
    Pro-ject tube box II and Moon LP3.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited March 2009
    Dynavector,P-75,, works well with most cartridges, lo-output mc's,, currently using one in the "enhanced"mode,, should be able to find one used for 325-350--good luck,,let us know what you end up with.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2009
    Another vote for the Jolida 9A; very flexible settings & gain; will work with any cartridge.
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited March 2009
    Anything good about the Bellari Vp129 Tube Phono?
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2009
    Nad PP-2
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited March 2009
    Graham Slee

    This the best phono stage I've ever heard . . . I will own one as soon as I get tired of my Jolida, which won't be anytime soon:)

    elevator_exp.jpg

    This may be the best budget phono stage. Sometimes I wish I had bought it instead of my Jolida.

    Phono Preamp Stage: Gram Amp 3 Fanfare
    fanfare.jpg

    http://www.gspaudio.co.uk/preamps/gram_amp_3_fanfare.htm
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,766
    edited March 2009
    Steve, it really depends what type of phono cartridge you are going to be using. There are plenty of cheap phono preamps that work well with MM type cartridges, but when you move to MC, especially the low output type, then you need to have a more versatile phono preamp.

    In the realm of versatile units, I've always been fond of the original Phonomena (by Musical Surroundings). They pop up on Audiogon frequently for around $300. That will work with virtually any phono cartridge out there and sound good doing it.

    Also, there was one made by Monolithic that got many favorable reviews and will work with nearly any cartridge as well. It can come with just a wall wart power supply, or a fancy matching box. I think the combo is the PS-1 (phono stage) and HC-1 (power supply) or some variation of that. They also pop up on A-gon and tend to go for the same price range as the Phonomena. I've read the HC-1 is worth the extra money.

    Have you picked up a vinyl rig yet, or are you just getting some ideas in place?
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,499
    edited March 2009
    Also, there was one made by Monolithic

    +1 to that. Dusty at CI Audio also had a nice inexpensive VPP-1 Phono Stage, though IIRC it is no longer in production. Hagerman has an inexpensive battery operated phono preamp for MM cartridges. Avaialble as a kit or fully assembled, power supply kit now available. http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited March 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    Anything good about the Bellari Vp129 Tube Phono?

    I've got one. Pretty solid- I prefer my Audio Research, but it cost 3 times as much. If you've got a MM cart, go with the Bellari.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
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  • mhardy6647
    mhardy6647 Posts: 33,804
    edited March 2009
    http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/Seduction/seduction.htm This is the one I use.
    www.hagtech.com several models; tube or solid state; excellent
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited March 2009
    Thanks fellers for the ideas/input. Right now I'm just fishing for information, and re-educating myself on turntables/cartridges/pre's--it's been awhile.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited March 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Cambridge 640P and Jolida JD 9A.

    I have Cambridge 640P and considered selling it, but after listening to it more and more, I like it better than my Carver C-1 or CT-28v.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2009
    ViperZ wrote: »
    I have Cambridge 640P and considered selling it, but after listening to it more and more, I like it better than my Carver C-1 or CT-28v.
    I still prefer the phono section of my last two McIntosh preamps, but for the price, you can't go wrong.

    In case you haven't seen this yet: http://www.wiredstate.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=19390&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=b173c643139e47caa19f474876df57b2

    I plan on going the same route with mine.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2009
    ViperZ wrote: »
    I have Cambridge 640P and considered selling it, but after listening to it more and more, I like it better than my Carver C-1 or CT-28v.

    I also have the 640P. Can't tell you how good it is yet because I don't have a TT yet but it's very affordable.
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  • ViperZ
    ViperZ Posts: 2,046
    edited March 2009
    Face wrote: »

    In case you haven't seen this yet: http://www.wiredstate.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=19390&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=b173c643139e47caa19f474876df57b2

    I plan on going the same route with mine.

    Be careful working with the CA gear. Surprisingly enough, IMHO, even though it sounds and looks fantastic, the build quality is not that good. Keep your soldering iron temperature really low. The build of the actual PCB is poor.
    Panasonic PT-AE4000U projector for movies
    Carada 106" Precision Series (Classic Cinema White)
    Denon AVR-X3600H pre/pro
    Outlaw 770 7-channel amplifier
    B&W CDM1-SE fronts
    B&W CDM-CNT center
    B&W CDM1 rears on MoPADs
    JBL SP8CII in-ceiling height speakers
    Samsung DTB-H260F OTA HDTV tuner
    DUAL NHT SubTwo subwoofers
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-Ray player
    Belkin PF60 Power Center
    Harmony 1100 RF remote with RF extender
    Sony XBR-X950G 55" 4K HDR Smart TV + PS3 in the living room
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2009
    Thanks for the heads up. I usually like to live dangerously and keep the Weller pinned. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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