Suggestions for a Phono Preamp.

There's often a Sim Moon handy for sale somewhere, but I haven't heard the piece.. I'd try one for a good price.

I have used and enjoyed a Parks Puffin, and am currently using a Darlington MP-7 and a Pro-Ject Phono Box DS2 USB, in separate systems. Used prices are your friend.

I'd buy something from Darlington Labs or Hagerman Labs if I were strict about the price range and wanted new product and warranty.

Agree with the Sim Moon I had a used one a few year back before making a substantial upgrade and it was outstanding at it's price.

Not in any particular order…

Parasound zPhono

MoFi Studio Phono

iFi Audio Zen

Schiit Mani

Take a look at loading options and what best matches your cartridge and future scalability (e.g. Schiit may be schiit with a MC cartridge). 
 

In that price range, don’t forget to try out a Parasound zPhono. 
Really good for the price. 

LCR SERIES | Lounge Audio

Ron at New Record Day did a review of the LOUNGE phono amp...said it was more musical than units much much more expensive. Made by hand by Robert in LA,Ca.  call him . this unit plays georgeous music and plays way beyond what you'd expect out of a $350 phono preamp. You would have to spend a grand to match this beauty.

BTW, I did a search on MOON 110LP v2 Phono Preamplifier and found it at one site (ListenUp) Clearance / Open Box for $359. I have no idea of that site's warranty, etc., so do some research if that sounds like something you might want to stretch your budget for.  It retails for $600, so the thing is it might be fine to use for years while you do the upgrade routine to other components, knowing you are getting all you can from them. 

In your price range, I've heard very good things about the Schiit Mani which has some great adjustability in Gain, Impedance (most MM cartridges suggest 47K Ohms), and low frequency filter roll off if needed. 

It is $149 (dang inflation).  Obviously if you can spend double that you should get more performance (maybe).

Cheapaudioman on YouTube did a review of the Mani and liked it fine.

Currently I have a built-in Pluto 2 from U-Turn and it is OK for the price I think with the Ortofon 2M Red. 

But if I move up in cartridges (other than trying a compatible 2M Blue stylus) I'll likely look for something better, more price appropriate, maybe like one of the Rega ones $400 to $500. 

Good luck. 

@meliodes 

This being my first Audiogon post, please be gentle!

My take on phono preamps is that their function is to get the most out of your turntable and cartridge. The better the turntable and cartridge, the better job it will do.

I would recommend you look at Darlington Labs MM and MP line up.

www.darlingtonlabs.com

Their website is a very good. Highly recommended read. And not just the landing page.

They have a compelling story, and users are passionate about their products.

I just took delivery of the MP-7. It's quite remarkable. That is a little out of your price range, but the MM-5 and MM-6 aren't.

They are a Massachusetts company that is doing wonderful things for audio enthusiasts. Keith Richardson is always willing and quick to respond to emails.

They have a 30 day return policy. I would start there if it was me.

And no, Keith and I are not related, and I don't sit on their Board. 🤣

Musical Fidelity Lx2 Lps....has both capacitance and resistive loading plugs, mm and mc settings, and a rave review at WhatHiFi. 

@jay73  +1

@meliodes 

Which cartridge do you have installed?

I do owe the Moon 110lp since about 10 years and I am happy.

End-user adjustable impedance loading (100 and 47k ohms).
End-user adjustable capacitance loading (0 and 100pF).
End-user adjustable gain settings for moving magnet (40dB) and moving coil cartridges (60dB).

If you can find a used one for around 300 Dollars, grab it. It would be an upgrade, I believe. Well invested money IMO

Otherwise, you may want to go with the Pro-Ject Phono Box or stay with the AT PEQ3

It depends from the cartridge.

Cheers!

I have an EAR 834P 3 tube and would only change to the new one .

• New - Musical Fidelity V90 LPS $329.00 - free shipping   www.tmraudio.com

• Cambridge Audio Alva Solo (MM only) $179.00 - free shipping   www.audioadvisor.com

I am happy with the inexpensive TCC TC-750.
https://www.phonopreamps.com/tc750pp.html

When I bought it some time ago, it came with a 0.5A wall wart. I upgraded later to their 1.5A wall wart, and it really made a difference. If you buy the preamp, just arrange to get the 1.5A.

If you can find a used Sim Audio Moon 110lp, that would be a great phono pre.

I've seen them used around $300.

first, disconnect, clean contacts, reconnect your esisting system. many 'so much better' come from just this.

now listen well to your existing again.

think 'preferred', not 'better'.

when it comes to phono, eq, sut .... make sure you can return it if you don't prefer it to your exisiting.

I had an Audio Technica TT AT120. It had an optional dinky internal phono eq. most people would think it a joke. It sounded better than my McIntosh C28 SS Preamp's phono to me and mine.

Upstairs, I tried Cambridge DUO, ifi..., and found a $14. Pyle I preferred to both, sent the other's back.

Then I moved to Tube Phono stages, McIntosh mx110z downstairs, and Luxman tube in this office. 

Think tube Preamp in your future.

If you are looking for a budget phono pre-amp, the Schiit Mani 2 is an excellent choice. Plus they have a trial/return policy, so you could return it if you don't love it. $150, and your done... Until you decide to upgrade again...

Agree, you need to up your budget a bit. For about $500 you
can get a used PS Audio GCPH. I've owned one, it sounds
great, can handle just about any cartridge and it's a bargain.

The Bellari is not going to be an upgrade. Sideways move at best.

You don't mention your cartridge, but if it is the stock Ortofon that came with these tables, an upgrade there would be money well spent.

Either that, or up your budget.

Would you consider used?