Phono preamp for a Denon 103R cartridge.

Michael Fremer is a tough read for me. He's detailed about his combinations and has reviewed a good amount of gear. The inexpensive gear falls short of the mark of the hyper expensive gear, but it's closer than we think, seems to be a consistent theme.

There are several reviews of the JC3 Jr, one by Fremer in 2018. Another JC3 Jr review likened phono preamps to tennis players. Each one slightly better than the last, until you get to Roger Federer. Correlating somewhat with price, was my impression.

Fremer also reviewed my current ProJect model in 2019. Didn't dislike it actively, and used it to offer playable demo files of the DL103R as stock and with an aluminum cover.

I've ordered from Schiit in the past. The Skoll looks very interesting because of the adjustability. On the other hand, I've had to take advantage of their warranty with some of their pieces. I'm not sure that's the road I want to travel again.

You're right, it is an excellent affordable mc cartridge. I'm just curious what phono preamps folks here might have tried with it. Thanks for sharing your DL103R setup.

I appreciate the Sutherland recommendations. KC would allow switching among all cartridges, but the TZ is specific to low output MC. KCs seem readily available. Lounge seems to have op-amps, and I might prefer discrete.

theflattire, I have an MP7 in a different system, as an MM only phono pre. I know that there are newer models without an SUT requirement for MC cartridges. I'd recommend it as well, and I'm using it with a 2M Black. It's a keeper.

inagroove, the Zesto does seem to be pretty adjustable. A nice one sold recently. I appreciate that the 103Rs may have led you there.

armstrod, I do like the ability to roll 12AX7s. I have multiple pairs and some familiarity as a result. The Aric Audio Unlimited II uses them as well.

danmar123, that piece is a work of art. I don't know anything about it. I'm going off to read some reviews on these suggestions.

I've used a Parks Puffin, and enjoyed the adjustability and tweak potential. I wonder about picking one up again, used. I replaced it with the Darlington, which has been a keeper.

Thanks to all for the recommendations so far. What appeals to me about this particular cartridge is the product lifetime, and the fact that there's an aftermarket if you'd like to go further, rather than add another cartridge to the collection.

lewm, thank you.

vthokie83, the Aric Super Phono is MM. I do like his pieces. But with an SUT I'm up around $3k, and I just don't have the space at the moment.

There's a set of phono stage reviews at Twittering Machines. Michael Lavorgna at some point in the round up states he liked the Aurorasound Vida Prima and the EAR Phono Classic with the Denon DL103. What appeals to me is that he also used a 2M Black in his reviews, and that's a cartridge I've used for years.

I'm going to read up on the Aurorasound, but I wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions, and in many cases for their opinions shared on older Audiogon threads regarding SUTs, transimpedance, cartridges and phono stages. There are some experienced folks on the forum.

zufan, I liked the Puffin, and occasionally wished that I'd kept it