How Do I Choose A Phono Preamp

Basically you have normal phono and amp and transimpedance phono amps.

If you are sticking with LOMC then a transimpedance phono amp like a Sutherland “lil Loco might” be an option.

Then you have amps that allow loading to happen easier, and ones with multiple phono inputs.

Moon 310(?) is an example of the ones with easy loading changes.

… and there are a 100 more choices.

How do I shop for a phono preamp? I’m ok new, or used. Any suggestions as to what specific amps to look at?

I can only help with the “how I did it”.

Features:
- Single or multiple inputs
- Ease of loading
- Maximum gain

Topology:
- Voltage
- Transimpedance

Other:
- Colour (Black, Silver)
- Brands you choose to get or avoid
- Tube or SS

Once you run all the models through a “sluice box” or requirements, then you take what is left as remaining… and try and get a listen to them.

Or you get what sounds good, and then get the cartridge that will work with it.

Since you already have a good cartridge, you have an easier time than with that also an unbounded trade space.

I am surprised at different peoples criteria. Mine has been:

 

1: Sound Quality

And how do you quantify that?
or is it subjective?

If it is subjective then it gets difficult to hear them all, or buy them all.
How do you propose that is accomplished?

But over time, I realized that to make all music sound better on my system I needed to improve it objectively. For twenty years I worked diligently to “learn” what real music sounds like at every opportunity…

That is a longer timeframe than many would abide.
Clearly the noise part (which I did not quote) is easy to work out with measurements alone.

I thought best to report back with what I bought. I pretty much settled on the Modwright PH9.0x, but prior to purchasing I called my Music Direct salesperson that has been very helpful with other purchases.

…

Sutherland was on my short list. (But I was looking more at their lil Loco.)

That advice you got sounds good, but maybe you can follow up once you back from the chiropractor in a few weeks?