2. amps-preamps
  3. 169242-158874

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
hz79hc's avatar
hz79hc
24 posts
 
Also a Schitt Mani supporter...  built like a tank--I would recommend buying it and using it while you audition others ($$$) and keep the one that clearly whips its ass.  You may have to try 2-3...
avitacom
90 posts
 
A while back I temporarily used a Chinese tube phono stage I bought from Amazon. I threw the chinese tubes away and plugged in Russian 6AK5’s from Tubes unlimited. It sounded OK…better than you would expect. Using it allowed me to listen while I shopped for a phono stage SUT and MC cartridge.
troutki50
41 posts
 
I picked up a used Chord Huei and have been very happy with it. It can do MM and MC and best of all I can switch gain and impedence on the fly via the buttons on the top of the unit. Saves from having to change dip switches or resistors which saves some time. XLR outputs are also nice. 

Have heard the KC Vibe as well and its a sweet sounding unit as well. 
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 
Schiit Mani MM/MC unbeatable at less than $150.....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
OP thanks for the added clarity and so cool about honoring memory with the Linn. I believe it can take you far. You have got a ton of good advice I understand wanting to make a positive and energizing change focused on vinyl.

pretty much all preamps listed, i have been fortunate to hear, owned a NOVA III. Super neutral fast, adaptable for growth into M should you climb that hill. The Chord i had in for evaluation as local dealer wanted evaluation of competiveness vs Nova ( he now carries both. For warmth and easy front  ( top edge really ) panel adjustment, it edges Nova ( i think there is a newer Nova now ) Lean to wanting warm = chord, Analytical but neutral Nova. Sutherland leans that way. Parks is fascinating and i have heard it sing, kinda depends how analog you want to be, but if it was covered by shoebox, bet it could fool a LOT of diehard analog freaks…..
I just can’t comment on the Moon, have not heard it. Buddy did buy a Van Alstine, new it hits your budget. Frank builds great gear !,,,
best to you
Jim
More to discover