2. amps-preamps
  3. 1090980298

Phono stage and preamplifier opinions....

I am looking for some advice on phono sections. I currently have a Forte Model 40 preamplifier that does not have the phono stage. I am using my old preamp (Hafler DH-110) as a phono stage for the time being. I don't have much money to invest (around the $100-$200 range) but would like to eliminate the cumbersome problem of having a full preamp acting as a phono stage. My TT is a Music Hall MMF 2 with a benz micro mc20e2.

I know there are many decent phono pre's I can get for that amount, but I am wondering if I would be better off selling the Forte and getting a different pre that has a phono section, or to just go for one of the low-end outboard phono sections (music hall, sumiko, parasound, creek...). Meaning, is the onboard phon section of a preamp that is in the range of my Forte Model 40 going to be a lot better than the low end of outboard phono pres.... I'd love to just magically come across some phono cards for the forte, but that seems unlikely.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
pablodeocampo

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
You could also look for an old Counterpoint preamp. They were great in their day. (I used to have a 3.1). They were a full function preamps, with built-in phono boards. Very musical. They usually run only a few hundred dollars now.

The only caveat is that they are no longer made. (Hence the low price.) However, one of the original owners does offer repair and refitting of their entire line.

Just a thought.
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