2. amps-preamps
  3. 172742-168714

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

boywondr84
ghdprentice
6,423 posts
 

@millercarbon +1 nailed it on the head. Phonostages are really important don’t skimp… get a destination phonostage or your not going to know what’s happening when you upgrade tt and cartridges.

Post removed 
boywondr84 OP
4 posts
 

I appreciate the feedback and recommendations from everyone. My follow up questions are then:

What TT & cartridge and phono preamp's would you recommend to add to the VSi55 amplifier and KEF LS50's? Does a Gyro SE or Technics 1200G paired with a Sutherland 20/20 (I'm just throwing out items I've drooled over while reading about them but am unlikely to ever own) still make sense with that speaker / amp combo?

Or is a Rega P3 or P6, or maybe a Clearaudio Concept better suited for my Kef / Audio Research system?

I just don't want to get into chasing after gear, and I really like my speaker / amp as it is (and have had for about 4 years now) and am considering upgrading the TT & phono preamp to their level.

Thanks in advance!

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

Digital does not get old fast. It gets better fast.

Try a Parks Puffin. It will match all carts you through at it.

big_greg
6,561 posts
 

I'm not going to make any specific phono recommendations.  I'll pile on and encourage you to consider a better turntable/cartridge. 

Your components need to be of similar quality.  Adding a better phono stage would no doubt help with sound quality, but you'll be leaving a lot on the table so to speak by feeding it a not so great signal from an entry level turntable.

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