Phono Preamp Selection


I have no idea of which Phono Preamp I should purchase.  I read the reviews from Audio Science and the author provides testing criteria and results for Phono Preamps. I do not have a awesome system - rather it is just a nice system. I reviewed (Pro-ject Phono Box DC MM/MC  / Cambridge Audio Duo / IFI Zen / Schitt Skoll ). My turntable is a MoFi with a Hana MC Cartridge. 500.00 is my budget as I am just a listener of old vintage records.  My amp is a Denon and my speakers are bookshelf Triangle(s). Appreciate your time and responses.

smerk

Hello smerk, I'm very pleased with my Schiit Skoll.  It has a neutral presence which is one aspect that I prefer in phono preamps.  The Skoll's flexibility allows you to adjust gain so that both MC and MM carts are compatible.  The remote control is an added convenience.  Also, IMO, the price point (under $400) makes it an excellent value.  I listen to a variety of vinyl from all genres/artists and the Skoll does a fine job with all.  BTW my primary TT is a "vintage" Denon DP 51F loaded with a Dynavector 10x5-Mk ll cart.  Good hunting in your search.

@ghdprentice perhaps you mean Jolida? Now Black Ice. I have their tube DAC. Amazing for the money with good NOS tubes.

phono’s are out of budget for the OP

@z32kerber GN PH-10 and PSU-10 are great for the money but used are 3x the OP’s budget and even the PH-5 might be overkill - the Denon may become the weak link at that point.

OP. Lots of great suggestions but the Skoll is a bargain and you can try one for 2 weeks - not long but enough, I think. Low risk.

 

In that range I would suggest a Parks Puffin, a tube Parks Budgie, or an Audion tube phone stage.

The Budgie was great but the Audion was next level.