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Budget Phono Amp / Stage Recommendation?

Hello all, I have decided to take the plunge into analogue!

I intend to purchase a used Thorens TD-150 and would need your recommendation for a budget (under $200) phono amp / stage (new or old?). I do hope for it to be MM and MC, just for the flexibility to test the differences.

Some recommendations have been: 1) NAD PP2 or PP3, 2) Pro-ject Phono Box II, 3) Cambridge 640p, 4) Bellari V130, Graham Slee Gram Amp 2 SE.

I need a strong push to a specific model based on the current system that I have. Any comments would be appreciated.

My current system:
CD source: Rega Apollo
Amp: Primare A10
Speakers: Mission Cyrus 781
silverthorn11
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transnova
350 posts
 
I very much enjoyed your last post.Glad there was no audible damage to the LP.A carbon fiber brush(about $20)is the best way to remove dust.You can do this while the record rotates on the platter.

As far as the vinyl sounding warmer:There are cartridge/phono stage combinations that will produce music that sounds brighter/more forward/more detailed than many CD players.Don't assume that all vinyl will sound the same as it does coming from the Grado and played through the Project Phono Box.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
The "scratch" you saw, made by the rubber blower, may well be material from the tip of the rubber blower itself (assuming it's not metal), and not a scratch per se. As such it's a deposit on the ridges and not in the groove itself, and should be inaudible as you found. Polyvinylchloride (what LPs are made of) is pretty hard, especially compared to most rubbers and plastics.

It also means it may clean off with some record cleaning fluid and a brush or microfiber terry towel.
silverthorn11 OP
9 posts
 
That is a relief. Yes, the tip is not metal, thank goodness. It is some plastic. I have tried to clean it using using just water and a soft micro-fibre cloth. Some did come off, but the scratch is still there. I will look for some LP cleaning fluids.

To Transnova: Thanks!
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

01-13-11: Silverthorn11
Some did come off, but the scratch is still there. I will look for some LP cleaning fluids.
My philosophy is: if you can't hear the scratch, leave it alone. I have added noise to a record when I tried to scrub a record blem a little too hard--with a micro-fiber cloth.
silverthorn11 OP
9 posts
 
Noted!
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