Phono Preamp Recommendation


I recently sold my ARC SP-16 and went to an LS-26 linestage. One goal of the upgrade was to improve my vinyl playback which was then suffering in comparison to my Esoteric X-03SE. Now it's time to add a phonostage and I could use some suggestions. Parameters: $2-3K, leaning toward solid state (lower noise, no tubes to swap), low profile (3" high or less). I doubt I'll need gain enough for really low output moving coils nor do I need tons of loading and capacitance adjustments, though some ability to adapt to different cartridges would be nice. Right now I'm running a Dynavector 20XM (medium output coil with 1mv output) in a VPI Scout. I don't see this as my last phonostage but rather one to take me a few years down the road until I can upgrade my table/arm/cartridge in a big way. Basically, I'd like to end up with vinyl playback as good (or better) than what I'm getting on the digital side right now. If I can do this for less than $2K great but I'll go to $3K if the jump in performance is appreciable. Bottom line: performance and reliability are key, features less so. Anything you might suggest should be as good or better than my fallback which is an ARC PH-5 (I know, tubes and taller than 3"!).

Thanks for your assistance.
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by aptquark

Hello peeps...

Dodgealum...see if you can audition a Vacuum State JLTI stage. It sells with an external powers upply for additional moneys. Thats if you dont want to use a walwort transfomer. It is THE only mm/mc phono that can compete with my ASR Basis Exclusive. IMHO anyways. Plenty of setting for adjusting to your cartridge. I use a .18mv ZYX...and have the gainmaxed on the JLTI....silent...dead quiet. Talk to Jay at Audio Revelation. He can arrange to send one to you for auditioning. You will be amazed at what this 1600 dollar unit (2600 with external power)can achieve.

Good Luck