Solid State Phono Preamp Suggestions $3k-$4k


Any recommendations on a solid state preamp in the $3,000 - $4,000 price range new?  

I have yet to purchase a TT so I'm flexible on that and cartridge but leaning towards a VPI Scoutmaster with Orotofon Cadenze Bronze cartridge. The limiting factor is my Bryston BP26 preamp which has an input impedance of only 10k ohms.  
mvrooman1526

Showing 2 responses by mvrooman1526

I reached out to Pass Labs and the output impedance of the XP-17 is 110 SE and 220 Balanced.  I was planning/hopping to run balanced into my BP-26 preamp so I'm a little concerned the 220 won't be a good match for the imput Impedance for the Bryston at 10k ohms.   

Same with the Sutherland Duo at 200 Ohms.

Looks like the Parasound JC3+ might be a good option with an output impedance of less than 100 ohms.  

How hard and fast is the 1:100 ratio that seems to be the recommendation?  
Thank you  @allhatbach54 and @lewm ,  I may be misinformed. I was aware of the recommendation of 1:10 when it comes to your amp and preamps but read somewhere that 1:100 was the recommendation when dealing with matching up your phono preamp with your preamp.  

I reached out to Herron as I was very interested in the VTPH-2A given the rave reviews on this site and others but he did not recommend pairing the VTPH-2A (400-500 ohm output impedance) or any tube based preamp for that matter with the Bryston preamp.  

@ericsch Thank you for the heads up.  In the reviews I've read on the JC3 they did mention the fixed MC gain. If I do go down that road it will be with eyes wide open on the cartridge limitations.