2. amps-preamps
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Phono stage and Cartridge for Technics 1210 GR

I am about to purchase a Turntable and am leaning towards Technics 1210 GR was looking at 1200G but then realized cost of good cartridge and phono.  This is all new to me since I have been mainly streaming and listening to some CD/DAT.

I would like to spend no more than $1500 for for the phono stage and cartridge.  Anything else i will need that I am not thinking about?

I am currently using a  Linear Tube Audio ZOTL Ultralinear Integrated Amplifier I did not get phono stage when purchased.  I asked about adding cost would be $1250 level 1 or $1900 level 2.  I have been researching on the forum and it seems most recommend a separate phono stage.

Here is link to my system.
dukeassassin's System - Virtual Systems (audiogon.com)

Thanks for your time in advance.
dukeassassin

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,708 posts
 
If your budget is $1,500 combined for the phono stage and cartridge, I would recommend the Parks Puffin as others have and a Hana SL cartridge. Yes, the Puffin does an analog to digital to analog conversion, but it sounds great for a $500 phono stage. Very quiet and enough gain for any cartridge. 

Having said all that, I would wait a while and save up and budget more for something like a Manley Chinook or similar phono stage. That would be more in line with the quality of your turntable. 
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