Phono Preamp upgrade
New to vinyl playback but have some equipment that I'm really enjoying and others I'd like to consider upgrading.
My current set up is:
Audio Research VSi55 tube amplifier
Kef LS 50's
Pro-ject Debut Carbon w/ Ortofon Red & upgraded acrylic platter.
Schitt Mani phono preamp.
I'm happy with my amplifier and speakers but am curious about trying out different cartridge's, including MC. I would like to upgrade the TT, but am thinking of starting with the phono preamp. I'm looking at the following:
QHW 'The Vinyl'
Dynavector P75
Sutherland KC Vibe
All can be had for under $1k which I'm comfortable with paying and I've found retailers for all that allow returns so it's possible to order all 3 and have them at the same time to hear them in my system.
They all have multiple settings for MM & MC cartridges, so should be able to handle different cartridges down the road when I upgrade my TT.
I've read positive reviews about all. Do 1 or 2 stand out considerably above another? Or is just getting all of them and picking my favorite the best option? Any other that I should consider?
Thanks for your responses and advice!
I’ll always bring up the pre I decided upon when replacing my Mani; The Hagerman Trumpet MC. Can handle any cart you want to throw at it. A bit more than $1k @ $1,098, free shipping. Really like the Trumpet. I have changed out the tubes, and depending, that can increase the overall investment by a good chunk, but worth it, can ‘flavor to taste’, better be able to fit your set-up, and fun. That said, the stock tubes are fine too. |
I would agree with that. I purchased a Carbon Debut to see if getting back into vinyl would stick the second time around (after a very long absence). It stuck. Think I had it less than a year before I dove in deeper than I thought I might. It was well worth it. Actually the Mani was the last thing I replaced. I had my SOTA Sapphire/Jelco 850/Soundsmith Zephyr running with the Mani before I ultimately replaced it. That combo was heads and tails above the Pro-Ject in every way, and I was quite pleased with it even with the Mani. The Hagerman was icing on the cake. It’s a good point @reubent makes. You may want to rethink your table/arm/cartridge first. But, I would be prepared to spend a lot more than a thousand bucks. |
