Mechans suggestion of the AES AE-3 would be a good move if a budget line stage is what you want. If you have a higher budget ($2,500 on the used market), I had good luck matching an Aesthetix Calypso line stage (with NOS tubes) with the MC275 MKV, but it does not come with a phono option. Hififile's suggestion of pairing your MC275 with a McIntosh preamp is also a no brainer... and comes with a phono stage.
Preamp match for a mcIntosh 275
As a re-beginner in the art of sound, I need some equipment advice. Santa has just given me a McIntosh 275 amplifier. I am using it with a Nakamichi AV-2 as preamp, Proac bookshelves, an old Maranz DVD810 player and a Thorens turntable with stock ortofon cartridge. I listen mostly to jazz and I am planning some upgrades... As a good minimalist, I found very interesting the Vincent Audio KHV-1 headphone preamp, which it is said can be used as a regular preamp. So, here is the question: would it be a good match for the MC275, in substitution for the underused Nakamichi receiver? It disturbs me to put together this 5 channel A/V receiver to play stereo with the McIntosh. All opinions are welcome.
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