Advice Needed on Mono Phono Preamps

sorry, i meant Graham Slee Jazz Club

(why doesn't this forum have an edit feature?)

Have you considered the PS Audio GCPH, it has mono and phase as a selectable options.

I am interested in this topic as well. I have heard of three others that have the selectable EQ features you request:

1) Tron Seven Mono (upcoming version)
2) McIntosh C-8 (a vintage product that can be restored)
3) Hagetech Archiver (recently updated and renamed)

I have no experience with any of these, but hopefully others can comment. Also, I am not sure if the latter two are mono (the McIntosh probably is), nor am I sure what the advantage of a "Mono" preamp would be, assuming that you have a mono cartridge (I'm a vinyl noobie). Is it safe to assume that getting a mono cartridge would be the first step you would want to take on this path?

VAS AUDIO CURRENTLY MAKES A PRE-AMP THAT HAS ALL THE OLD RECORD EQ CURVES. WHILE THE UNIT IS STEREO+, IT PROVIDES GREAT FLEXIABILITY TO HANDLE ANYTHING. THE UNIT IS ALL TUBES. I HAVE ONE AND I AM VERY PLEASED. VAS CAN BE FOUND AT THE CAYINUSA.COM SITE.

nor am I sure what the advantage of a "Mono" preamp would be, assuming that you have a mono cartridge (I'm a vinyl noobie). Is it safe to assume that getting a mono cartridge would be the first step you would want to take on this path?

Here is what Tron had to say on that topic (from the website):

Why a mono phono stage?
Pre-1957 record companies used different recording equalisations prior to the introduction of the RIAA standard. We have developed this phono stage to allow more faithful reproduction of these early recordings. The Seven is available with three switchable equalisations which can be user specified.

Modern mono cartridges often do not work well with stereo phono stages, causing noise etc. This is because stereo phono stages are expecting to see a stereo signal rather than a mono one.

I have always assumed this to be accurate, but I would welcome comments from anyone who has found otherwise.

Getting a good phono stage with a mono switch is also an option, at least for 1957 or so on recordings.

The Zanden Model 1100 is a dedicated mono-only phono pre. I do not know if it is still a 'current model' - my understanding was that a new one was on its way. I have not seen many others out there (disclosure: I have one - don't use it much but I found it used and really really wanted to try it). I love the phono's sound - lush but not overbearingly so - and quieter than 'lush' usually is. I have no complaints whatsoever. It has double selector knob/switches so rather than choosing among curves, one builds the curves by selecting turnover frequency and roll-off levels (there is a link to an image on the page previously linked). Note: it also uses a different circuit than normal for equalization - one which makes fixed impedance - if that matters.

T bone,

Thanks for the information re: the Zanden mono phono stage. At first glance, this seemed to be exactly what I have been looking for to play a my collection of mono classical LPs from the 50s. But the pricing - ouch! Do you have another suggestion for a unit that is not made from the rare element unobtanium?

Hagerman has in the past made one but I don't see them on the site anymore. You might contact him and ask him.

If you are at all willing to DIY, I am sure this has been done before as modifications to any number of standard phono stage kits.

A few cautions - First, most American labels adopted the RIAA curve by 1955 but not all, and some eastern European and Asian companies not until the '70s. Therefore selectable EQ may benefit a good number of older LPs. Second, many different EQs were used by different LP labels so a phono stage or preamp with only 2-3 variations to the RIAA standard might not be all that helpful, and even more were utilized for 78s. Third, cartridge design (stereo/mono), stylus shape and tip size should be considered for both older LPs and 78s. Here is a link to the best summary I've found (check the sub-links for detailed EQ info) -

http://geocities.com/midimagic@sbcglobal.net/mixphono.htm

Art Dudley has been exploring this subject in recent reviews in Stereophile. Here are a couple more options for selectable EQ -

http://www.esotericsound.com/elect.htm
http://www.vadlyd.dk/English/RIAA_and_78_RPM_preamp.html

Looks like a bit more research is called for on your part Jeff.
Good luck.

Thanks Pryso. Can you repost your first link? It does not appear to have worked.

Sorry, T_bone, and any others looking for this great resource.

http://geocities.com/midimagic@sbcglobal.net/mixphono.htm

I trust this time it will link you up.

Sorry Pryso, it didn't work that time either, though href=http://geocities.com/midimagic@sbcglobal.net/mixphono.htm>this
one should.

And thanks, that is a great link.

You might try the JE Labs design: http://members.myactv.net/~je205d/mono.htm if your into DIY or could have a tech/builder build it. I'm listening to it and it is superb.

I have heard the Sentec unit and it is superb. But that was with a Shindo amp/Garrard and Shindo Latour speakers. Quite the system.

Another mono preamp that is currently available is the TDL Technology 4010, which was recently reviewed in AudioXpress April 2009, and goes for a very reasonable price.