2. misc-audio
  3. 1217908177

Looking 4 a high quality phono line stage $5k-$8k

I'm considering moving away from my Ayre K-1xe preamp with phono and going to a dedicated phono pre instead. For table I have a Clearaudio Champion II with a Graham 2.2 arm and ZYX Airy 3 cartridge. The one thing I would like is a phono pre that accepts balanced input. Can anyone make suggestions on possible options and I'd also welcome any feedback on positive and negative attributes associated with a dedicated phono preamp. Thanks!
mmike84

Showing 4 responses by mmike84

mmike84 OP
309 posts
 
Thanks Kurt! That's good info.
mmike84 OP
309 posts
 
Rushton- Thanks for your comments. I'l explain what I meant as my current arms (RB300 and Graham) both terminate in Din connectors. I have a Cardas GR phono cable that terminates in XLR so I want a phono stage that accepts XLR connectors, and is truly balanced.

Thanks everyone for the recommendations. So far there are a lot of similarities between the suggestions which is great. I know a big component is listener preference but I plan to buy something used and try it.

BTW my $5k-$8k price is new. My budget will top out at about $4500 used.
mmike84 OP
309 posts
 
Rushton-

My arms terminate in DIN. My cabling is DIN (from the arm to XLR at Preamp). Since the signal is balanced to start with I would prefer to maintain that as opposed to converting in the preamp. Any other suggestions?
mmike84 OP
309 posts
 
Aptquark-

What did you compare it to?
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