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Opinions of Onkyo P-3000R phono preamp

I have had this unit for several years but only used it as a preamp for CD/sacd players and as a dac/preamp playing ripped flac files. It has served me well but over the last few months I've converted to balanced components so it's pretty much been collecting dust. Recently however I have ventured into vinyl again. Using the P-3000R built in phono preamp does sound very good to me but I don't have anything to compare it to. Just wondering if any of you have been able to compare it to other phono preamps in the sub $2,000 range. I am very interested in the Gold Note PH-10 with it having two turntable inputs and both balanced inputs and outputs. Would be great if someone out there has been able to listen to both and could give me an opinions of how they compare. Again I'm also interested in other sub $2,000 units. Thanks 

milkdudd

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

OP, By the way I have a Violectric … I think it is a V281… I had to import it from Germany. This unit has enough current to power a set of Denton flagship headphones. I used it a few times and gave it to my partner for listening to tv at night when I am sleeping. Good high current headphone amp. But lacks musicality.

 

Ayre makes great equipment. But if you want real musicality, go tube. I recommend a used Audio Research preamp, they are a level above Rouge. And you will hear it. For headphones, I recommend Woo, you get the current and natural musical sound.

ghdprentice
7,543 posts
 

Gold Note is a high end audio company, Onkyo is not. The Gold Note PH-10 is their entry for an affordable phono stage. They know how to make spectacular sounding equipment and you are going to hear that in this phono stage. It is well reviewed by professional reviewers. It is going to sound a lot better than the phono stage in your Onkyo. It might be a good first step to improve the overall sound of your system. Then perhaps what you learn upgrade your preamp… that will have a huge impact as well. 

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