Best budget $100 - 200 Phono Pre-amp?

I was wondering which of the "budget" phono pre-amps is best. I am considering the NAD, Pro-ject, Music Hall, Creek OBM8 or the Goldring. Any ideas?

vlad145604-15-2005 12:55am

Post removed Aug 06, 2015
nrenter Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 766 posts 04-16-2005 at 02:46am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Stay away from the Rotel RQ970BX. This was my first phono stage and I found it to be noisy and lacking of detail. I agree with Viridian - find a used Musical Fidelity X-LPS or X-LP2. I had an X-LPS and, for the money, thought it was great.
tentimestwenty Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1 posts 04-21-2005 at 02:19am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Rega Fono, hands down.
dsockel Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 46 posts 04-21-2005 at 03:38pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 Special Edition $199 right now on the 'Gon. Have heard/read very good things about it. Lists for $350 or so.
stevecham Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,340 posts 04-24-2005 at 05:05pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I agree with Nrenter and Viridian: The Musical Fidelity X-LPS is a great inexpensive phono pre. I had one on loan from a dealer two years ago while I waited for a Krell KPE Reference to arrive. It was very smooth, detailed and dynamic, much better than the Parasound ph100 I hed been using up to that point. Plus it has the small military tubes to ptovide that great bloom and warmth quality.