I owned the ASL mini phono preamp and found it to be quite good. Smooth. But not as punchy as some of the higher end units. For the lower price, it's a bargain. But I ended up selling it when I purchased an ARC SP16 with phono stage. How does the mini compare with the SP16 phono stage? Well I would say that the ARC's phono stage provides that extra level of punch and liveliness that justifies it's higher price. Much higher I should say. I don't know about the Creek unit, but have heard only good things about it.
Budget Phono Preamp -- Under $250?
I just ordered a tube integrated amp (Cayin TA-30), my first venture into tubes after 35 years of solid state. The Cayin has no phono stage so I need a phono preamp for my Thorens TD-320 with Ortofon Super OM20. The Cayin dealer says I should go with a tube phono preamp (Antique Sound Lab Mini Phono) but another audio guy I like says that it isn't necessary to have a tube phono preamp, that a Creek OBH-8 would be sufficient. So, does anyone have any insights? Will a solid state phono preamp compromise the sound of my turntable? Thanks.
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