Pro-Ject phono preamps?

I use the Phonobox 2 and Phonobo 2SE. Both are excellent for the money but I have have two Clearaudio ones.

I think the Pro-ject ones are very competent but not exceptional. The RS offers a lot of flexibility but I went for the 2-box Clearaudio Basic Plus which was more even sounding and a better fit with my Clearaudio tables.

If you are running a Pro-ject tables, the RS is a great choice. Add a nice Ortofon cartridge and play lots of records.

I'm afraid I don't have a lot of experience with different tube buffers, but the one I've read a bit about is the one Grant Fidelity / Yaqin. It's relatively inexpensive and small.

If you really want to downsize (the unit is small) and get great sound try a Ray Samuels Nighthawk F=117. New $795, but they show up here used occasionally.

Neko, I am leaning towards the RS. I think at the end of the day, I'd prefer accuracy over the tube glow. A buffer is a good idea, I could use it when I crave tubes (at other times I wouldn't want to compromise the signal path). I was actually planning to get one to put between my tuner and preamp. Any recommendations for a good small tube buffer that won't degrade the signal too much?

Thanks

No reason. .003 is small compared to 72 is all. Anyway, only you know the true extent of your shrinkage.

Thanks Grinnell. Unfortunately the Hagerman does not accept MC (I have a DL103).

Thanks Chayro.

Matt, thank you, just curious, have you heard Pro Ject phono preamps? May I ask if you have heard the RS phono preamp? It is supposedly a higher range model than the SE and DS series.

Unhelpful but humorous. But why 003? I think Mid003 may be better as I'm not downsizing to that degree.

Personally I prefer the sound quality of the RS over the Tube S/DS. If you want the both of best worlds, you could consider using the RS for your phono preamp and buying a small inexpensive tube buffer to slip into your signal path.

I hate to say it because I own a Pro-Ject Xtension 10, I don't like any and especially the cheaper Pro-Ject models under $500(they all sound very uninvolving). Spend the xtra money and get the EAR or something similar. Trust me...The phono pre IS the gateway to great vinyl sound.

I used to have the tube box SE and I thought it was very good until I tried a Linn Linto I purchased used for $800. The Linn was far better to my ears.

I had the tube box SE, it sounded ok but I upgraded for the same price to a Hagerman Cornet

If you are completely downsizing, you should probably change your tag here to something like Tweeter.003

Unhelpful, I know. I should have resisted.