Phono preamp for a Denon 103R cartridge.

Zarf

I have used 103Rs (4 in all) for many years.

During that time I also upgraded to my Phono Preamp to a Zesto Andros 1.2.  It is a very flexible Pre (lots of Ohm settings, even separate L/R grounds) and sounded great with the 103Rs.  

It uses 4 12Ax7 tubes (2 per channel and inexpensive to replace) and to my ear, it out performs SS options. 

Because it is an older model, second-hand units are quite inexpensive on AG and elsewhere.

Lastly, the Owner/Designer, George, still answers the phone himself (I called him to chat about tube rolling).

Good luck,

P.S. I am an end-user and not affiliated with the audio industry

I got a good deal on a Sutherland KC Vibe, and I was blown away at the sound quality I heard for under $700.  I can say the same for the Schiit Mani 2.  I gave my son a Rega P3 I wasn't using to see if they would get into vinyl, and needed an inexpensive phono amp.  I bought the Mani based on my prior experience with Schiit Audio products. Incredible performance for the price.

There's no need to take out a second mortgage to achieve quality sound.  I just laugh when I see people on here debating on gear that cost as much as my pick up truck, bass boat and trailer.  Believe me, the truck, boat, and trailer will get used a lot more and will have much greater resell value.  I love my music and my 60+ year vinyl collection -- but my vintage system sounds fine.

I own a 103R and really liked it with the E.A.T. E-Glo Petit. It has plenty of gain, gives you the ability to roll the 12AX7s, front (actually top) panel controls for easy loading changes, and really quiet.

I've owned a number of under $500 solid state phono preamps, and while they were all competent there was a very audible difference as I moved up the chain.

Have you looked into a Denon AU-103?

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.