My advice assumes you're going to use a high output MM.
In my opinion, low-cost tube phono stages outperform low-cost solid state phono preamps. I've been exploring this area for the past few years. The more units I audition, the more I believe this to be true. Time and time again, it's the tube stages that impress me - not the solid state. They tend to sound more realistic and more three-dimensional compared to SS. My latest discovery is an Antique Sound Lab Phono Mini. It sounds way better than anything else I've heard for $300. Galen Carol sells them new for $309. However, I just bought a Bottlehead Seduction kit ($294 new) and I'm waiting for it to arrive. If the reviews and hype are anywhere near the truth, it should best the ASL Phono Mini.
I can't comment on the Cambridge 640 - I haven't heard it - but it often gets recommended, so it must be pretty good. Viridian, what other phono stages have you heard that you can compare it to?
Avoid the Bellari. I owned it for 6 months. I tried to like it, but it never inspired me to spin vinyl. I found it dull and noisy. It only has 30 dB gain which is on the low end of low. Most MM phono stages have between 35-40 dB.
There are lots of positive comments on the Pro-Ject Tube Box and Tube Box II in the forums. Do a search. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
Have fun and enjoy!
In my opinion, low-cost tube phono stages outperform low-cost solid state phono preamps. I've been exploring this area for the past few years. The more units I audition, the more I believe this to be true. Time and time again, it's the tube stages that impress me - not the solid state. They tend to sound more realistic and more three-dimensional compared to SS. My latest discovery is an Antique Sound Lab Phono Mini. It sounds way better than anything else I've heard for $300. Galen Carol sells them new for $309. However, I just bought a Bottlehead Seduction kit ($294 new) and I'm waiting for it to arrive. If the reviews and hype are anywhere near the truth, it should best the ASL Phono Mini.
I can't comment on the Cambridge 640 - I haven't heard it - but it often gets recommended, so it must be pretty good. Viridian, what other phono stages have you heard that you can compare it to?
Avoid the Bellari. I owned it for 6 months. I tried to like it, but it never inspired me to spin vinyl. I found it dull and noisy. It only has 30 dB gain which is on the low end of low. Most MM phono stages have between 35-40 dB.
There are lots of positive comments on the Pro-Ject Tube Box and Tube Box II in the forums. Do a search. I'm sure you can't go wrong with either.
Have fun and enjoy!