Help me choose a phono pre


Hello all,

I need help choosing a good phono preamp. I am fairly new to the Vinyl world. I got my first turntable last year (Technics 1210 GR) along with the AT VM540ML.  Right now, I’m using the phono input on my Marantz PM Ki Ruby integrated amplifier which powers my Usher Mini Dancers. 
 

I understand that a dedicated phono pre amp help with RIAA and will allow me to explore and get the most out of cartridges esp MC ones.

What are some options under the 1k range? Is there an aspect of synergy with other components? If so, please recommend ones that will pair well with my current set up. Thank you so much!

 

PM

dcp20124

As with other components, phono preamps come in many different flavors and system synergy is always in play as well, so It really depends on what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you, and are you looking for new or used?

I picked up a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS2. They now make the DS3. It’s very versatile and sounds great to me. There are a great many choices but it has already been mentioned it’s best to match your TT and cartridge to the appropriate phono pre that will marry up the best. That is good advice.

Whatever preamp you choose, make sure that you can select 0 picofarads of capacitance, or at worst case 100 picofarads, or less. The AT has a rising high end response and that can be exacerbated by high capacitance phono stages. And your phono cables and tonearm wire are already adding capacitance. 

The rest is just personal preference and any modern phono preamp should accurately follow the RIAA curve.