I'll be interested in the results of your shootout.
Best MM phono pre under $500 new or used
I'm kicking off a slow start shootout between several of the cheaper but well regarded phono preamps.
Right now I'm really enjoying a Phonomena, but since this is the only phono pre that I have in the house (with the exception of the MMF Phono Pack) I haven't been able to compare it to it's common enemies in the same or similar price range.
I have a Gram Slee Amp 2 SE on the way (new chassis I'm told), and I'm eagerly awaiting the New ASL tube Phono section that is set to hit the shelves later this summer.
Other possibilities are Clearaudio, Lehmann, Musical Fidelity...
I first must say that I'm using a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S Wood cart on a Michell Tecnodec via a RB 250 with Michell weight.
Rogue Tempest tubed integrated and JMR Trente speakers.
THe system doesn't "need" a tubed phono pre, and I don't want a "tubey" sounding (rolled-off on either end) pre, but if the ASL, which seems to have its fans and not-so fans here is the truth, then let me know.
I want depth, width, honest imaging and detail, detail detail, but only if it is unetched and naturally liquid.
I welcome any and all suggestions.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Right now I'm really enjoying a Phonomena, but since this is the only phono pre that I have in the house (with the exception of the MMF Phono Pack) I haven't been able to compare it to it's common enemies in the same or similar price range.
I have a Gram Slee Amp 2 SE on the way (new chassis I'm told), and I'm eagerly awaiting the New ASL tube Phono section that is set to hit the shelves later this summer.
Other possibilities are Clearaudio, Lehmann, Musical Fidelity...
I first must say that I'm using a Clearaudio Aurum Beta S Wood cart on a Michell Tecnodec via a RB 250 with Michell weight.
Rogue Tempest tubed integrated and JMR Trente speakers.
THe system doesn't "need" a tubed phono pre, and I don't want a "tubey" sounding (rolled-off on either end) pre, but if the ASL, which seems to have its fans and not-so fans here is the truth, then let me know.
I want depth, width, honest imaging and detail, detail detail, but only if it is unetched and naturally liquid.
I welcome any and all suggestions.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!
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