Budget Phono preAmp


Hi All,

I am trying to make a small upgrade to my current system - for which Vinyl will be the most used source. My thinking is an affordable Phono PreAmp - but I’m trying to decide which one. I’m currently looking at either:
  • Rega Fono MM MK3
  • Moon 110LP v2
My current system is:
  • Dynaudio Special 40s
  • 30 year old Linn Axis Turntable with new Addikt MM cartridge
  • Marantz sr5014 A/V receiver
So right now it is all Moving Magnet and no need for Coil. Eventually the Linn will need to be replaced, and probably a later cartridge upgrade too, but by then I’ll have upgraded the receiver situation to either a nice integrated option or separates. Right now its most bang for the buck with a limited investment.

All thoughts warmly appreciated!
terracebk21

Showing 2 responses by terracebk21

Thanks Jim for your comments.

The road for me is to build slowly on a limited budget.  My speakers - at least for my current horizon are my destination.  The Linn I will ride as long as she lasts - It was great to inherit it from my parents along with a modest vinyl collection.  So I'll stick with Vinyl as a preferred format even into the future...because I like it! 

All that said - it sounds like the Southerland offers the kind of bang for the buck I'm after.  It isn't important to me that it be flexible for the future - just offer a sort of new found joy in my current setup.

It seems there isn't much love so far for the 2 rigs I listed - the Rega and Moon - surprising as I had read so much about both.  I've read a good deal about the Schitt Mani as well - but is it that it really offers the same sonics at about a 1/4 the cost?  If so, then I'll also consider it, but my budget is closer to the 500 dollar range (the Southerland is just over that cusp which is where I always end up when making these choices!)

Thanks again all!
Thanks all!

Decided on the PS Audio GCPH and there was a good deal on a used one here - I'll certainly let everyone know my thoughts when I get it hooked up!  

Thanks again for the great input!!