If you can stretch, there is a Fosgate Signature Phono preamp for sale right now for $1499 on Audiogon. It is an amazing phono preamp. Will wipe the floor with any phono preamp 2-3k and under. I speak from experience as I auditioned multiple units in the 1-3k range and bought the Fosgate. Sold it only because I decided a Herron VTPH-2 worked better in my system.
Also have heard the Jolida JD9 is supposed to be a giant killer (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/jolida3/phono.html) and Spearit Sound (reputable dealer I've purchased from) has one new for $499. Upgrade tubes etc and a shunyata venom power cord and for about $600 you would have a mighty fine unit that can scale. |
Also Upscale Audio (and a private seller) have Herron VTPH-1 for sale in the 1400 dollar range on Audiogon. Another "keep it for life" phono preamp that will scale if you buy better table/cartridge/etc. |
I continue to recommend the PS Audio GCPH as a most remarkable phono preamp under $1000, considerably under since I bought mine new for $499. It has easy loading options for any cartridge without opening the case, and uniquely, a remote control with gain so you can run a complete vinyl only system with no preamplifier. I wish this option was avaiable on more products. |
Another option is the Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova. The Nova sells for $1K new, had dip switches for resistance, capacitance, and gain. Also runs off batteries that recharge via the AC plug.
I like mine a lot, but just don't have a lot of experience listening to other units in my rig so I can't comment on comparisons to other units. |
(Disclaimer...I have a current listing selling this exact unit)
Please consider the Acoustech PH-1P. It is a former Stereoplile class "A" unit that had been reviewed favorably by many sources. When last sold by Acoustic Sounds, it was priced at $1500.
There's quite a bit info online that can be found with a quick search. |
I am very pleased with my Jolida JD9 phono stage. I got a mint used unit with level 1 mods that retailed for $1100 and cost me around $525. An excellent performer, especially for the money. |
Would like an opinion on stock PS Audio GCPH vs. modified Jolida JD9.
I have a Music Hall 7.1 w/Goldring 2400 and a Rogue Cronus Magnum.
Thanks. |
Yes, get that Acoustech right away. I use the original version and it is very good. This one should be even a little better. And throw out that garbage stock power cord. |
For me, the great advantage to the PS GCPH is that it can be run straight into a power amp, bypassing the necessity of a preamp. Doing so seems to open up the sound nicely, even though the preamp I was using is a Classe Thirty, a very decent preamp on its own. that feature, combined with remote control, remote mono and remote phase switching are features I wish every phono preamp had. Its sort of the antithesis of the line only preamp. |
From what I've read the Jolida JD9 might be better, and Spearit Sound has it for sale at a good price ($500?) new on Audiogon right now. I auditioned the PS GCPH against SimAudio phono and Herron VTPH-1, and the PS Audio came in 3rd place....a bit of a veil on the upper registers in my system. |
I should clarify my inference -- The Herron placed first by a wide margin. Simaudio and PS Audio were fine units (I own a PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC/bridge and love it; they build great stuff). I read some articles where the reviewers thought the Jolida was at least the equal of the Herron phono (hard to imagine because I have had the VTPH-1 and now have the VTPH-2, and nothing I've auditioned bests the VTPH-2). |
I have a Dodd battery powered phono preamp that I consider equal to anything out there and would be in your price bracket used. It will only handle high output cartridges and the battery power is a pain, but the sound and price is worth it.
You might have a hard time finding a used one for sale though.
Bob |
I use a Grado phono pre which I like, but if upgrading would go to the Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova. |
The PS GCPH is one unit that responds greatly, to the installation of a HiFi Supreme Tuning fuse, and upgraded power cord(ZU Mother works great here). They already contain FREDs, in their power supplies, and I believe the stock fuse and cord prevent them from performing to their potential. The differences are not subtle, in the least, with these two simple tweaks. |
I also have a Jolida with the level 1 mods. I further modded it with some mullards and pulled off those silly tube shields and added some herbie tube dampeners. I also added some isopods and upgraded the cord. Probably have about a grand into it. Sounds excellent. I run it with a full tube system, an Amadeus TT and Shelter 501 MC. I use full silver ICs to balance some of the warmth. The detail is excellent, with tremendous mid-range. Being all tube, the bass is not as distinguished as some that I've heard, but that's more of a reflection of the overall setup (probably). The Jolida has really nice topography and lends itself to upgrades. |
Here is one for sale right now on audiogon for $650. Good deal:
Musical Surroundings Nova with battery pack. |
