Im going to need a phone pre.

fbm211

I would like to get something under $200.00.Im sure someone can suggest something that would be better than what my GFP-555II uses.I have a monarchy audio model 10 pre that will be here tuesday and was looking around audiogon and ebay at some phono preamps.
Cambridge Audio Azur 640P phono preamp
nad pp2 phono preamp
Musical Fidelity x-lps mm/mc phono (psu also available)
Unbuilt Hagerman Bugle Phono Preamp + Power Supply (DIY)

The MF would go over budget with the PS option but I would consider it if its that good...And the DIY one would be a fun learning experence but I dont know where to find a chassis for it.:o
Suggestions or ideas anyone?
Link to DIY kit>http://cgi.ebay.com/Unbuilt-Hagerman-Bugle-Phono-Preamp-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ190343842980QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2c51608ca4

george daniel

Let me throw one out for you perusal,, got my ears on one last week and damn,, 99.00,,good build,adjustable gain,,it's a solid little unit,and even worked with my dynavector lo-output mc,,i was very impressed,,I think the companys' background is microphone/recording,, but definately worth a look,,


http://www.sweetwater.com/c661--ART--Preamps?gclid=CK3M3JH21Z0CFYNX2god_GUvSQ

I did not realize until just now, how much they have,, the one I heard on my system had in/out---usb,spdif,,etc. Good luck--I think it was 99.00

george daniel

this is the one I had/heard,,


http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/USBPhonoPlus2

ben62670

I have this one that I built.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/analog-line-level/57398-phonoclone-vsps-pcb-help-desk.html

fbm211

Thats cool ben .A little out of my understanding though.I think Id be able to do the soldering part if I have it in kit form though with easy to read instructions...I did see some boards already built and all that was needed was to add a power supply and chassis.
I like the one george posted...3 easy payments,a subsonic filter,PC(usb)hookup and good price.I would hope a upgraded PS would be available for it too.The rca jacks would need to be changed though. I still have to order and build a PC for the pre Im getting as well.. Damn, this hobby is expensive.

phipiper10

I should have Musical Fidelity x-lps v3 mm/mc phono any day now and could at least confirm the sound vs my Onkyo.

At around $200 the MF seems reasonable. Others with more experience could chime in with more alternatives but I didn't come across many more than the MF and the Cambridge around this price. Stereophile I think put the MF in class C, was it - take that for what it's worth.

SCompRacer

Heeger has some small enclosures that the Hagerman Bugle would fit in.

http://www.lmbheeger.com/products.asp?catid=68

You could also check out the Hagerman forum at Audio Circle for other possibilities.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=52.0


If you want to learn more about the Bugle, check with Carl (schwarcw) or Larry (analog97) as both have direct experience with it and have Coronet 2's now.

Down the road, should your budget permit, the Hagerman Coronet 2 is an excellent high value phono stage. I built one for a member here (schwarcw) and I was very impressed with it. Price depends on how exotic you go with the components. IIRC a base build less enclosure is ~$425.

Systems

I'd pass on the NAD. They never sounded right to me for some reason????

strider

Another Bugle owner/builder here. I bought an enclosure from Allied Electronics for around $30 IIRC.

It was the first thing I ever soldered together and it's worked fine for a year and a half. There's a member on Audiocircle who sells all the parts you need to put one together if you don't feel like doing the work at Digikey. Real nice guy, if you're interested I can find his contact info.

I've got it powered by 2 SLA batteries you'd see in a computer UPS. Cheaper then building the power supply and you don't have to worry about replacing 9 volt batteries when you forget to turn the unit off after using it. Not that I'd know anything about that. It was a fun project that's gotten me interested in other DIY stuff.

Ben

Edit: the ad linked in the OP is the guy I bought my parts from. Absolutely super guy to deal with.

george daniel

Will the Hagerman handle a lo-output mc without a step up?

fbm211

Good question george as I plan to upgrade to a AT-OC9 MLII or a AT33EV in a year or so..

analog97

Will the Hagerman handle a lo-output mc without a step up?

Yes, Hagerman offers an on-line gain calculator so you can choose appropriate resistors for gain up to 60db. I built a Bugle, but did mine with 40db gain.

george daniel

Thanks for the reply,,I'm at a point where I need to make up my mind,,looking at an Acoustech PH-1-p,,or something like the Hagerman or Bottlehead, my only concern, is the money-price/performance gonna' make that much of a difference compared to the Dynavector P-75 that I have,, speaks volumes for in home auditions eh?:)

Edit;; Hagerman does seem to get alot of positive reviews around here.

schwarcw

Get the Hagerman and don't look back. The Bugle is inexpensive, easy to build, battery operated (option) so it is dead quiet. You can also get a Walwart for it. As Larry noted, you can build it for any gain you want. Put it in a wooden box that you could buy from Marshalls or TJ Max for less than $10 if you really want. Less than $100 and sound fantastic. The DIY circuit board is double thick, great quality throughout. There are many good people on the Hagerman Forum (Audiocircle) that are first class and eager to help. Good luck!

schwarcw

PS, the point to point wiring kits are more vulnerable to noise.

ben62670

Well Rich that is some great work! Congrats Carl on your Phono Pre. Ya got me looking for the kit now.

musabir

The best that go together.

Face

Above spam reported.

To add to the discussion, the Cambridge 640P sounds good for the money. Or you could step up your budget a little more and pick up a used Jolida phono pre.

Krazyz1

Audio Technica make a nice 1 for under 150.00