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phono pre amp giant killer?

I'm in the market for a used phono pre amp. I'm considering the pro-ject tube box II and the clear audio nano (because of some positive reviews and the fact that I use a Clear audio Vertuoso Wood Cartridge). My question is how much do you need to spend on a used phono pre amp in order to get to the level of truly top flight performance? My budget was going to be 350 but that may change with this thread.

thanks
andy
andyth

Showing 3 responses by t_bone

t_bone
1,182 posts
 
For right around your budget, you could purchase and build a Bottlehead Seduction with C4S upgrade.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
My long disclaimer on the products is that:
1) I have never built a kit, Bottlehead or other.
2) I am about to because I just ordered a few things from them.
3) So far, I have nothing but good things to say about Bottlehead and the community which inhabits the Bottlehead forum. I have been a lurker on that forum off and on for a few years, and never cease to be impressed by the amount of assistance available through the forum.
4) Apparently, the instructions are first-rate.
5) If you go to their site, they have a page called 'Skill Levels' which tells you what skills are needed. My bet is that anyone with a basically steady hand and a willingness to set aside a few hours each evening over several evenings can get a Seduction up and running. I have done a few minutes of soldering work in the last ten years and that probably gives me more 'experience' than many have when they order one.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
If you want your Seduction to have better WAF, well... These things take practice...

In all seriousness, have you thought about building a different chassis? You could design/oder something from frontpanelexpress.com and do a lit of different things (jack field in back, better knobs, OPT under the chassis. My bet is the Bottlehead gear lends itself very well to rebuilding/re-chassisying.
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