It's hard to say what a "high investment" is, some folks think $1,000 is cheap. However, I'm guessing you'd like to spend a whole lot less than that. Many sing the praises of the Gram Slee Gram Amp 2, and Gram Amp 2 SE. I snagged mine (Gram Amp 2) here for $150
need info on phono pre......... CHEAP
Hi all,
I am in need of a good entry level phono stage as my pre-amp is only line level, it will be paired up with a somewhat modest table and a Clear Audio Aurum Beta S cartridge, I was looking into the Bellari tube unit, or the NAD, or used cheap options. My financial situation limits my ability to purchase moderate priced options but all the same I would hope that acceptable performance could be found without a high investment, any help would be appreciated....thanks Chad
I am in need of a good entry level phono stage as my pre-amp is only line level, it will be paired up with a somewhat modest table and a Clear Audio Aurum Beta S cartridge, I was looking into the Bellari tube unit, or the NAD, or used cheap options. My financial situation limits my ability to purchase moderate priced options but all the same I would hope that acceptable performance could be found without a high investment, any help would be appreciated....thanks Chad
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If you're comfortable with a soldering iron, you can build a Hagerman Bugle for about $60: http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html The half-kit includes a very nice circuit board and easy instructions. I got Texas Instruments to sample me a couple different kinds of op-amps so I could experiment. It sounds great and since it's battery operated, dead silent even at 60dB. I've heard the NAD PP-2 and liked the Bugle better, especially since I can adjust the gain in small increments. |
Here ya go: Music Hall MMF phono-pak I keep one on hand as a spare. Can't be beat for the $$$, IMHO. John |
The Music Hall Phono pak is worth having - does MM and MC. They can be found for less than $100 used. The Belari is also decent for the $. If you contact Belari directly they have 'B' stock units with full warranty for a significant discount - about $130 I think. It has some nice features like adjustable gain, and a mute switch. |
