Best Inexpensive Preamp for DENON 103?


Hi,
I'm sure this has been asked before, but I am totally confused with all the choices and don't want to make another mistake.
My Cambridge 640P is actually not bad, but I know I'm missing on some dynamics, and the output is adequate but could be better.
Other components:
-Heavily modded Thorens TD-145 w/ a properly modded arm at about 24 grams.
- Rotel bi-amplification w/ B&W Matrix 802 vintage speakers.
- Budget right now, unfortunately, has to be capped at about $300.00

-1- I know I should pay more, (I can't)- anyone have something used they would like to move?
-2- I know there are better choices for arm and compliance- but take my word- this arm has been modded for weight, mass, and resonance control and is VERY acceptable as it is.
Just need help w/ recommendations!!
THANK YOU!!

-Gary
128x128garpt

Showing 1 response by johnnyb53


06-12-12: Mingles
A great sounding low-cost preamp that mates well with the DL-103 is a Jolida JD9. They come up used in the $300-350 range. List is $499. There are lots of well documented tweaks to improve performance to a much higher level.

I was just going to suggest that. In fact, I upgraded from a 640P to a JD9 about 1-1/2 yrs ago and couldn't be happier. The gain and sensitivity levels plus the wide range of capacitance (for MM) and resistance (for MC) enable you to dial in a near optimum load and gain setting for just about any cartridge. It also has a "grown up" power supply and tubed buffer stage. I think it will wring a lot more performance out of your 103 without having to get into stupid money. Mine always strikes me as musical, organic-sounding, nicely transparent, exteneded at the frequency extremes, and never harsh or edgy.