Phono Preamp for Thorens TD203 w/ Ortofon 2m Blue


I bought a demo Thorens TD203 turntable w/ Ortofon 2m Blue cartridge > Behringer PP400 $20 phono preamp > Mystere A11 EL34 tube integrated amp > Seas Froy mk3 speakers. It has good PRaT but sounds thin with shrill highs. My Rotel FM tuner sounds better in many respects. I’m assuming the Behringer phono preamp is the culprit. I’m disappointed with the sound playing vinyl.

I was thinking of getting the Schiit Mani phono preamp, but am second guessing myself as to whether the combo will have the synergy to resolve the problem. Does any one have experience w/ the Schiit Mani and/or the Ortofon Blue. Any other budget phono preamp recommendations in the price range of the Mani to consider.
mjcmt

Showing 5 responses by mjcmt

Cartridge is properly aligned. Room is a bit echoey, but never sounded as thin and bright as I'm hearing now. In what ways will the Mani help the sound, as in what is its sonic signature? What phono stage would be a better match within reason.?
Good suggestions, but at the $300 price range I'll have to keep using the Behringer. At $300 seems like a lot of competition.
Noromance,  I cant agree w/ spending more than what my budget is, but you gave a nice positive review of the Mani vs. the PP400. It'll have to be good enough.
Thanks for great comments. I'm being gun shy about Schiit Audio because of potential customer service issues.
I'll look into used in the $100 range and see what shows up. Suppose I can't go wrong w/ a used CA or Rega.