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Help me choosing Phono Preamp

Hi,

I need suggestion in choosing a quality phono stage (SS or tube, new/used) under $3000 to mate with Denon DL-103 cartridge. The cartridge has very low output voltage around 0.18mV. Few pre I considered are Manley Chinook, EAR 834P, Liberty B2B-1, and MF MX-VYNL. All of them seem to require a step up transformer to work with DL-103. I don't like the idea of outboard transformer, and also I want to keep number of boxes as minimum as possible. Is there any outstanding pre out there (full function or stand alone phono stage) with input sensitivity close to 0.15 V to work with DL-103 ? Other qualities of the preamp I am looking for are: utterly transparent, extreme resolution, but not lean/thin/weak in sound, MC and MM both options will be a plus . Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Sunny

topmostaudio
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
No direct experience re: how the kW compares to the MX-VYNL but based on the MSRP of the VYNL vs the much higher MSRP of the kW of the kW when it came out, I'd guess that the kW bests it. 

The kW replaced the excellent Avid Pulsus in my system, though the improvement from the Pulsus to the kW was not as large as the jump from the Simaudio LP 5.3 with optional outboard power supply to the Pulsus (perhaps the Siumaudio would have performed better if I was going balanced). 

Hope this helps. 
jperry
2,433 posts
 
What is your current phono preamp?

Maybe you should consider a higher output cartridge instead.
topmostaudio OP
28 posts
 

jperry,   I dont have a phono preamp now. My line stage is Coincident Statement.

topmostaudio OP
28 posts
 

Thanks for lot of very good suggestions.

Can anybody comment on Accuphase C2810 (It is a full function pre with phono and line stage) and its sonic personalities compared to above discussed phono stages(e.g., Steelhead, VTPH2, MF kW, Allnic, etc) ?  Probably I can get a C2810 under $3000 (but can not audition it before purchase). It comes with a line stage as an added plus.

bpoletti
1,531 posts
 
Herron on top and occupies the first twelve positions on the list.  Then the Allnic, followed by the Manley, then the Accuphase. 

Spend a few dollars more on the Herron VTPH-2 and you won't have to worry about upgrading. 

I need to also indicate that this is my opinion.  Others may differ.  YMMV, but I doubt it.
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