I like to add one more choice. The Clearaudio Smart phono V2.
Phono preamp, all suggestions welcome
I recently bought a Belles virtuoso preamp to go with my Belles virtuoso amp. This preamp does not has a phono stage. I currently have an Ortofon 2M Black and planning to get a Hanna MC or MM. I'm not decoded yet. My TT is a Linn Sondek with updated platter, Ittok and Lingo 3. The rest of my system consist of Auralic Streamer and Vandys 2CE sig. Modest by high end status but very pleasant to my ears.
My budget for a phono stage that will accommodate MM and MC both low and high output is no more than $600.I would appreciate your input, experience and suggestions on the following alternative:
Schiit Mani 2, Cambridge Audio Alva Duo, Moon by Sim audio LP 110 V2, project box S2, Be aware that a small box is preferable. Just by reviews, I'm inclined toward the Moon. . Your suggestions are greatly appreciated
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My experience: temporary use of a $14. Pyle phono gizmo, just to get playing while researching. tried highly regarded iFi thingy, $14. pyle sounded better. Returned tried Cambridge Duo, $14. Pyle sounded better. Returned ANYTHING phono: get from source that allows returns. Bought my Little Luxman with built-in MM/MC, sounds wonderful, gave the $14. pyle to a friend. It was decent while he was researching, he bought a tube phono stage that sounds great in his and my systems. Another friend just bought a preamp with no phono, I’m looking for the Pyle so he is not rushed to make a decision. He seems to be warming up to a used Project S2. My cartridge needs lower impedance settings than the S2’s 100 ohm minimum setting; their DS2 has several low impedance settings. Unfortunately twice the price. Check what your cartridge wants for impedance, it’s a tricky formula, AND consider future cartridges, you may then need lower impedances. Another method is to get a Phono Stage for MM, which is essentially a RIAA eq circuit, and use a separate SUT for MC, boosting the MC cartridge strength up to MM strength, then into the MM phono device. That’s what I did, with this vintage SUT (also 3 inputs which I need). https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649456327-fidelity-research-frt4-sut/ sold but shows features ... |
I bet you can find a Vincent PHO-701 in that price range. I love it. Lots of load options, tube buffer, separate power supply. But my favorite right now is a tube phono pre from Japan, the Softone Model4. Outstanding. |