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 sean

sean
6,231 posts
 
Barbara, good to see a woman joining our ranks, especially one that loves vinyl. I expect that you'll start seeing some marriage proposals via email sometime soon : )

I would think that an ARC preamp would work well in your system. As to a specific model, i'll have to bow to the Audio Research / Tube experts on this one. I'm sure that someone else that is more familiar with their product line could single one out that would be a good match for your specific amp / speaker combo.

As to cartridges, what aspects of the Audio Technica would you be looking to improve upon ? So that I and others know where you are coming from, how would you describe the sonic characteristics of the AT and what do you find "wrong" with it ? Sean
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sean
6,231 posts
 
Scott, you added quite a bit to this thread as i was unaware that the Lehmann had two different gains that are switch selectable. Good to know for others that ask about such things.

As to the other comments, I had forgot all about the AI Mod 3A. Good suggestion and a worthy contender. Sean
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