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Help me decide on phono preamp

I have enjoyed my current setup but have decided to try a seperate phono preamp to see what improvements in sq can be had. I have two options I can purchase locally in mind based on my current budget :

Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena ($400 used)

Lehmann Black Cube SE ll ($600 used)

My current setup is a Music Hall MMF 9.1 TT with a Clearaudio Maestro V2 cartridge playing through the built in MM/MC phono preamp in my Marantz PM - 11S3 integrated amp. 

Any opinions on either of these options?  The built in preamp has excellent reviews. Will either of these alternatives make a material difference or do I need to significantly increase my budget to have a real inpact?

Thanks
sjtm

Showing 1 response by tablejockey

tablejockey
4,008 posts
 
Another vote for the $129 Schiit Mani.

Used one as a backup while my $2500 unit was being serviced. 

Smart buying used. Find something less than half retail.
Only concern buying used is no warranty. 

Your max stretched a little, something like a tubed Manley Chinook can be found. Subjectively, tubes offer a more convincing presentation.

As mentioned earlier, the Mani is competent against other higher  priced SS units. 

With the Mani AND savings, you can try a different cart such as an entry level MC cart. 
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