2. analog
  3. 1016843413

Preamp-phonostage selection for analog lover

This is my first thread here. Maybe it should go on the amp/preamp board but I am hoping that analog lovers, like me, will have a specialized knowledge base and be gracious enough to provide me with some help.

I really, really like the sound of vinyl. Several months ago, I bought a VPI 16.5 and since then have cleaned about 1,500 of my older LP's. I have a very nice McCormack SS amp, a Clearaudio Champion TT with an average AT cartridge (that I will be replacing), and a pair of Aerial 8 floorstanders. I have been using a borrowed Lehmann Black Cube from a friend. The Cube is okay, but I want to buy my own different from the Cube. Now I want to buy a USED TUBE preamp and a phono stage or a combination pre/phono (I know most people like the separates but I would like to go combo if at all practical). I will, of course, be using the TT and also an older Sony analog tuner. I will be using a run-of-the-mill CD player from time to time, but a high quality digital front end is NOT important to me, nor is it in my future.

Can those of you with more recent experience than I in analog give me some recommendations that would match with this amp, TT, speaker combo. I am also open to cartridge choices. I would like to stay with a good MM for now but would like to have a phono stage with the flexibilty to use an MC in the future. Oh, yes, and I'd like to spend between 1200-1800US on USED component(s)(I prefer someone else to take the knock down, I refuse to buy new in this area)! Please try to suggest units that fall within my price range USED not new, Bang for my buck, you know... Maybe 500-750US on a NEW cartridge - this lot I refuse to buy used! HA)

Thank you
Barbara
lpspinner

Showing 2 responses by lpspinner

lpspinner OP
2 posts
 
Thanks, but I will have to admit that I have no experience with or knowledge of Kora. Gonna have to hit the web!
lpspinner OP
2 posts
 
Thank you so much for the responses to my post. I must first address the borderline seductive post of Blptwp. Both of the enjoyment avenues you mention (NOT referring to the D/V or SS/T debate) can be thrilling and exciting but needn't, necessarily, be mutually inclusive, so your analogy doesn't exactly "grab" me! ;-) Although I do have an EX husband, so that might temper my opinion. Just kidding, Blptwp. Say, are moderators lurking on this board? Hee Hee

I am happy with my McCormack at this point and do not plan to exchange for a tube amp in the immediate future. My ex and I had a SERIES of stereo gear including both SS and tubes, so I appreciate the sound created by both. I hasten to add that I have always had either integrated amps or (close your ears) receivers, so this is my first fling into the preamp/stage world. The McCormack is very clean and powerful enough to fill my room and drive most any speaker. I am satisfied with the choice. I want to go with a tube preamp and phono (or combo) because the Mc does about all I expect on the low end and is just a slip bright at the top (but not harsh). The middies, in my mind, is where it could use a nice smooth and lifting hand. The staging of the Mc is great and the imaging is the best I have heard on any amp I have owned or I have auditioned.

It seems like there is some consensus about Acoustic Research and the Audible Illusions. I thought there would be more CJ and Rogue recommendations. I am pleased though, in a way, that the responses have been somewhat the same. I also assumed there would be a different opinion at every turn and I would just get even more confused.

A couple of kind people have asked me questions that I should address.

Sean - I am using a very old AT cartridge that was lying about unused. It was meant for a Pioneer direct drive table we had many years ago. I only use it because it is all I had that wouldn't damage my records. I am fully open to most any cartridge within my price range.

Sdcampbell - the Cube I have borrowed is of the old power supply incarnation. I would be interested to hear the difference. It is a good unit as it stands, though not the one I would buy again.

Jeffloistarca - I can live with or without a remote. I would prefer to have it but, if not, oh well. When otherwise involved with either of the things Blptwp mentions while listening, it is nearly mandatory, though! :-)
I mostly listen to jazz/rock/blues. I am a creation of the late 50's and came of "musical" age during the late 60's through the 70's when most good music was made (even if the recording quality wasn't always good)! I like and listen to such a variety that it is hard to specify. I will say that Disco sucks, and I have no fondness for metal bands, pop, rap or hip-hop. Other than that, I like Sinatra to Sting; Miles Davis to Larry Carlton; Beach Boys to Led Zeppelin; Perlman to Bela Fleck.

Sean - I have not received any proposals via e-mail as yet, though anyone who would propose "digitally" would have to queue, and remain, at the back of a recently growing line! I have resolved that any future proposals will be posed by me and accepted or rejected on the "other" end! HA HA.

Thanks you one and all. Now it is time to visit a few garage sales for that lurking vinyl gem!

Barbara
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