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Looking for phono preamp advice in the $1000 - $1600 range

I am thinking of upgrading my current Vincent PHO-701 hybrid phono stage to something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and still would make a meaningful improvement.

The chain I have now is Rega P8 with Hana SL LOMC cart, the Vincent phono stage, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium (tube) preamp, McIntosh MC312 (solid state) power amp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers.

My armchair research has identified e.g. the following phono stages in a reasonable $1000 - $1600 (depending on which and demo/used vs. new):

  • KTE LCR-1 MK5 / MK5S (hard to find)
  • MUSIC HALL Analogue A3 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
  • Sutherland Engineering Insight LPS
  • Sutherland TZ VIBE (with its intriguing transimpedance concept)
  • Project Phono Box RS2 MM/MC Phono
  • Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC (many positive reviews, with comments that it would benefit from an updated external power supply which, if so, would add additional $$)

Any recommendations or insights into these, or others in my price range, given my surrounding equipment would be greatly appreciated!

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rfauto
15 posts
 

$1500 + - was also my phono stage budget. I found a pre-owned Manley Chinook Upscale Audio Ed. for $1595. It was the best money I have spent on my analog set up. If you want solid state +1 on the Hegel V10. I went partners with a friend on one. We paid $1100 pre-owned. It’s a good, honest phono stage that punches above its weight. 

chocaholic
202 posts
 

Be careful on the trans impedance plan. I sold an Insight and replaced with a Little Loco. It was not an improvement with my VPI Shyla cart (AT Art 9). For TI to shine you need a very LO MC with very low output impedance…below 6 ohms. I’d highly recommend a Sutherland Insight (about $1400 new). I also went to a Manley Chinook and love it, but it was $2300 used. The deal above is the stuff of internet lore. Don’t expect to find one anywhere near that price.

m-milani's avatar
m-milani
6 posts
 

I second the Gold Note PH-10.   In the future, you can add the external PSU-10 power supply as an upgrade.

hsounds
153 posts
 

Hello, I would stay away from the transimpedence. The sound is a little linear. Great for very low output carts. I like the Hegel V10 due to it having  a linear power supply, having balanced outputs, and a good amount of gain. Used is well under your budget. But in the end the best that money can buy used. Especially the Herron. 

g4mobile
10 posts
 

I’ve owned a lot of phono preamps including the Sutherland TZ Vibe, Hegel V10, Ray Samuels Emmeline XR-2, Vincent PHO-8 and 701. I’m currently using a Modwright PH 9.0XT.

The Modwright PH 9.0XT is the best I’ve ever used and no plans to upgrade any further. It’s end game for me. It’s also much higher than your price range.

The Ray Samuels XR-2 was great and around $1,200.00. I still own it and it is the new 2023 model with upgraded Sparkos SS3601 Op Amps. It was my favorite out of all the preamps I’ve owned until the Modwright. It has a separate power supply and well built.

I’d be willing to sell the XR-2 if you’re interested. Send me a PM.

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