think future cartridges as well as your existing one
therefore the ideal is ability to change x factor separately from impedance. that will typically involve rear/internal whatever, expensive and things you don't like. BUT, if you want the best, it's worth the work. Do a temporary hookup, easy access, mess with settings, decide, then move equipment to designated location.
each cartridge: you do the work to get the best, then leave it alone, until? formulas guide you to what is 'predictably' best, then you narrow it down with your and your friend's ears.
your cartridge .3mv signal/5 ohm coil impedance: formula says coil impedance multiplied by 10, in your case 50 ohm impedance as a 'goal'. specs simply say greater than 30 ohms.
short of individual settings is a few pre-set optional x factors with the 'resultant' impedance that comes from that. that's what I went for. Front Controls!
In my case I use the MM Phono in my Tube Preamp, and a separate SUT (step up transformer) to boost any low signal strength up to MM signal strength, or PASS for any MM or MC High signal (bypass SUTs Transformer's windings.
I chose Fidelity Research FRT-4: 4 optional settings and Pass. SUTs are Passive, no power needed, no noise, you retain the sound quality of your MM Phono Stage.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204299190629?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=341af41c-e69d-11ed-ba01-373638313233
It's 10 ohm setting yields an x factor of 20.68 and a 'resultant' impedance 110 ohms shown to 47k phono stage. before loss you would have a calculated 6.3mv signal strength.
An x-factor of 30 results in an impedance of 52; however that calculates to a 9.0 mv signal strength, possibly overloading your MM phono stage.
.......................................................
Entre ET-100 also has 3 front controlled settings and PASS
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334750511103?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=05756524-e69e-11ed-a030-373638313233
both just happen to have 3 inputs for 3 tonearms which I need, and I change my various cartridges, listen to friend's cartridges, so the 4 optional settings are 'close' to what is needed. One with internal or rear switches would offer 'closer to ideal' for any current or future cartridge.
And, using any SUT, you need a MM Phono Stage somewhere.
|
Look into the Gold Note PH-5. It's tHe new smaller brother to the PH-10 and retails st 1k. Very versatile and accepts both MM or MC.
|
|
|
|
|
Hagerman Trumpet MC, easy recommendation. It's well worth the extra 200 bucks or so over 1000. Besides the front controls it's as enjoyable to listen to as multi-$K phono stages. It's tubed and has a warm (but wonderful) tilt to its sound. Also responds well to tube rolling, because it's actually a tube stage and not a tube buffer slapped onto a solid state phono like most of the sub-1000 phono stages. Extra gain for MC is handled by a JEFT headamp that's excellent.
|
|
|
The Hagerman is one I've thought about. Thanks for the suggestions. I'm taking a close look at each one.
|
The rich Saudis will scoff at spending less than $1000 on a phono preamp, but you really should give the IFI phono preamp a trial.
It has EXTERNAL switches for gain settings for MM and MC cartridges of various output levels. I tried it with a middle of the road AT MC cartridge, and I love it. Zero noise, sounds lovely. It tests out also as having a perfect RIAA EQ which is one of the most important characteristics of a phono preamp, and very few test that well.
Oh and it has balanced outputs as well as single ended. And ouf course ground connection.
|
I tested 4 different ones from $500 to $800 for my Rega P3, ended up with the Moon 110LP v2, by far the best, easiest to use
|
For some reason, there are a suspicious amount of used Jolida phono preamps for sale
|
ltmandella
I read really good things about the iFi, bought one for my office system, nothing special, sent it back.
|
I just got a Pro-Ject PhonoBox DS3. It has balanced and unbalanced I/O, front panel switches for Gain, fixed or continuously variable R, and C. Totally convenient for all parameters. I’m using it balanced in from a new Thorens TD1600 with a new AT-OC9XML. I find 640 Ohms sounds best with my rig.
|
I recently picked up the Sutherland KC Vibe. Great sounding preamp, built like a tank.
|
Check out the Vertere PHONO-1 MKII L.
Woots
|
The Sutherland tz vibe has no switches it’s fabulous sounding 1400.00 it’s only for mc cartridge it’s based on the loco preamp and has a beautiful sound stage.
i bougtht it last month and it continues to blow me away.
|
I was really surprised how great the KC Vibe sounds. Quality is high, I did expect that with Sutherland. It will accommodate MM and MC. Five gain settings from 40 to 60dB. Entry level, but doesn't sound like it is, it's that good
|
https://www.synthesis.co.it/product.php?id=14
I am going to second the recommendation of the Synthesis phono stage. It is what I use in my system and I find the sound to be rich, organic, and with a lot of weight. Punches well above it's weight.
|
Don’t be afraid of dip switches. I just purchased a new phono stage. I too wanted to go the no dip switch route. For me it was because they looked tricky to use and I did not understand how they worked. After doing some research I opted to purchase a Manley Chinook SE Mk 2. I’m so glad I did not let the dip switches dissuade me from my purchase. When it showed up, I had to open the case to change the gain setting. The directions made it easy to change the load and capacitance. The Manley totally transformed my system. I’m glad I didn’t let a few dip switches get in the way of that.
|
I know you're not looking for a receiver, but hear me out and ignore my gushing over the receiver features.
This is going to sound weird, but two of the very best-sounding MM/MC phono preamps I've ever heard in my relatively long life are in the ~1990 Nakamichi SR-2A, 3A, or 4A receivers. Incredible-sounding units back when Nakamichi were at the top of their game, and all their best stuff was still being manufactured in Japan, so they're built like tanks to last. I've owned the 2A through the 4A, and the 4A is my favorite receiver of all time. It doesn't get as much attention as the pretty, silver-faceplated Sansui, Marantz, and Pioneer vintage receivers, but due to its Nelson Pass-designed amp circuitry and the phono pre, it bests them, imo.
You can pick up a used 2A for less than $200, 3A for $300, and they're both worth it just for the phono preamp; and then some. A 4A will go for between $300 and $1500. The 3A and 4A have the exact same MC/MM phono pre, the 2A only has the MM version, but if you don't need MC, it's the same, and sounds beautiful.
All the pres sound stunning, with a high frequency extension that is so detailed and airy, but smooth as silk, with zero harshness. SNR is excellent and quiet passages sound like they emanate from a velvety-black void. Dynamics are punchy, and the subsonic filter is very effective without coloring the sound at all. The tone controls are worth mentioning too; they're the best I've heard on any receiver, period. And I love the loudness button on the lower models, but the 4A has a variable loudness control, and it's great when you want to listen at lower volumes with low lows and brilliant highs.
The 4A has a preamp in//out which comes in handy, and the 3A/4A both have useful internal routing, so if you want to use your own receiver, you can still connect your turntable to them just for the phono pre, then use one of a few different stereo outputs to feed into your receiver of choice. I've done it, but I always went back to the 3A or 4A because I think they sound better to me.
|
I use the Project Tube DS2. It sounds amazing. I would put it on your short list.
|
I wouldn't really trust anything without dip switches, unless it's implemented as dials but that's way more expensive.
|
Gold Note. I have the PH-10 and PSU-10.
|
@quiddy I know about Nakamichis. I have a Nakamichi TA-4A amp. I've moved to tube amps and my issue are as follows: I bought a used LTA Z40+ integrated with the phono stage and the SUT which I believed was going to be my endgame amp. However, my secondary system has Nola Boxer 3SE speakers which begged for tubes so I thought I would get a tube amp for them. Right now, my TT is in my secondary system as my primary system is in my home office and there is no place for the TT until I retire (which I'm in the process of doing). When I retire, the TT goes to my primary speakers, Spatial Audio Lab X5s. I got the Don Sachs Valhalla amp because of all of the ranting and raving about how good it is and yes it lives up to the hype. So now the Valhalla is with my primary speakers and the LTA is with the TT and the bookshelf Nolas. So now, with the TT to go to the office/man cave area, I'll need the phono preamp for the Valhalla.
I've done dipswitches before and I'm not afraid of them but they are inconvenient and take time to adjust. Unless the difference in sound is night and day, audio memory doesn't last that long and comparing settings when you have to take 15 minutes to change the settings on something isn't going to give you a really good idea of whether setting changes do anything.
It's going to be a while before I'm fully retired as I can't do so until I'm completely done with my clients but the workload is smaller and smaller. There have been a few interesting suggestions but I also chuckle at the number of times that there are threads like this where the OP sets parameters and the advice the OP gets completely goes outside of the parameters. However, I do appreciate suggestions and will continue to look at them as there seems to be a lot of makes and models of phono preamps.
|
+2 For the Hagerman Tumpet 👍🏼
|
@dz13 Apologies if I went outside the parameters. I was focused on no dip switches and quality, and the SR series lacks the former and excels in the latter. There is one gain switch on the back, of course. I hope you report back when you settle on a preamp, I'd love to know what you wind up with.
|
I'd go for a Pro-Ject Tube Box Ds2 in that price range. Front panel controls are easy to adjust.
|
Just to add my voice to those recommending Goldnote to you.
I had the PH10 to which I added the separate PSU which improves things still further.
The sound quality is top class at its price point and it's a dream to use. Nice clear legible screen and you push the button in and turn to vary the settings. A peach to use. A bit above your preferred price range, but well worth it for the convenience that you have prioritised in your OP.
I now have the PH1000 plus separate PSU so that indicates my high regard for the Goldnote phonostafes
|
@quiddy No apologies necessary. In fact, I may blow up my own parameters on something else but of the ones discussed, the Hagerman seems to fit the bill. I'm now checking out the Goldnote which seems interesting as well.
|
I just added the Parasound JC-3 Jr. no dip switches, but the cartridge adjustments are around back, sorry…
so far I am thrilled with it
|
|
+1 on the Moon 110LP v2.
The phono stage in my Rogue pre is well regarded. I home auditioned the Moon. It was as good as my Rogue but not enough to spend the extra $ on. But If I was looking for a PS in that price range I would seriously consider the 110LP.
|
Find a used ear 834 tube phono amp if you can.
1 switch for mm/mc, you can tube roll, outstanding.
|
Another here for Parasound JC-3 Jr. I used it until I decided to upgrade my cartridge and went full blown JC3 +. It’s like spending money on something that’s not even there it’s so transparent. Hard to beat at the price, IMHO.
|
I would also go the SUT route along with a dedicated MM stage with no switches, like the Darlington MP-7. I have a Ned Clayton Cinemag 1254 SUT and it sounds fantastic in every way. 4 different gain settings and 3 ground positions, never heard my MC setup this quiet before.
|
The more research I do on this, the more I'm confused because everyone has a different idea of what sounds best. It is also a little annoying that you have to buy a preamp for your TT that may be more expensive than your TT and cartridge combined just to amplify the sound. I may have found something though. I don't think it has been mentioned but does anyone have experience with the PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp?
|
@dz13 I don't know why you would want spend more than half of what your TT cost. It's just not going to make a difference above that price point. I have the same TT as you do, and I am super happy with my $600 preamp.
When you have a 10K turntable, you might want to have a higher quality preamp, otherwise it's putting formula 1 pirelli tires on a Golf.
|
@grislybutter Yes, it is a conundrum but I'm also trying to head off upgrade-itis by getting a decent phono preamp. I've had cheap ones, Schiit Mani and the Vista Audio Phono 2. Now I am using a pretty durn good one built into my LTA Z40+ with a SUT which sounds nice.
It is just an unfortunate/fortunate turn of events that I found "another" endgame amp with the Sachs Valhalla which needs a phono preamp if it is going to have the TT down the road. I've been very tempted by a Sachs' phonostage which has a SUT. I may go that direction as well even though it has switches in back but not that hard to reach/adjust.
|
@dz13
that makes sense. I spent a month reading reviews and I always go for the middle of the road solution in hifi - well-known brand just not yet mainstream, good price to value ratio and appealing design. My next step up choice would have been the Hegel or Parasound, but "luckily" I only had ~$500.
|
@grislybutter Believe me, I’ve looked at both (Hegel and Parasound) but they have downsides too like most everything. The biggest thing is that I obsess about this and spend as much time as I can looking at reviews and forums so it will be worth paying some money to stop the madness.
|
@dz13
I used Amazon and Crutchfield and SafeandSound to try out 4 different ones.
All I know about PS Audio is that their products are very good value, it’s solid company and community/fan base with great support, I corresponded with them a few times.
Sutherland and Musical Surroundings are good too, I heard the first at someone’s house and tried MS at home, and I agree it’s easy to get confused and crazy with so many choices.
I would have this problem if I upgraded my amp, too many choices. I am cataloguing 200+ audiophile speakers for this purpose, to help my decision and learning process and maybe somebody else’s as well
|
Decision made.
It was between a used Don Sachs Phono Stage, Hagerman Bugle MC, and a PS Audio Stellar Phono Preamp. I chose the latter.
The Hagerman and the PS Audio were new and the Sachs was used. They were all about the same price. Reviews of all 3 were good and maybe even stellar for the PS Audio. The Sachs was very intriguing especially with the Sachs’ integrated I have. I’ve seen some Audiogon members say that the Hagerman and the Sachs were pretty close. That means that the Hagerman beats out the Sachs since it would be new and it has the dials I wanted in front. The Sachs was set up fairly easy but the plus goes to the Trumpet.
The PS Audio, new, is twice the price of the Sachs and the Hagerman, and yet I was able to get it at about 1/2 price new with warranty. I am assuming it may be a step up or at least it is a quiet well performing phono preamp that is future proof and I won’t be spending money on tubes which I tend to do with all my tube equipment. I’m not as concerned with a tube phono preamp since the amp is tube. The other bonus is that the PS Audio you can use the remote(!) for the loading and gain settings. Even easier than a front dial. No more getting up or moving from the chair! (just being silly -- I know that once the settings are locked in, you don’t really have to mess with them again until you change cartridges). Easy peasy.
Thanks everyone for their input as well as other threads where these phono preamps were discussed. If anyone wants to know where you can get this phono stage at this price (because there are more), throw me a line though we have to talk outside of Audiogon as they have some rules about this.
|
yeah, 3K for the Stellar is not cheap, but I hope it's worth it (or the discounted $ you paid)
|
'cept I won't know because I won't hear the other ones. Research and faith. Research and faith.
|
@dz13
Congrats! Good luck with the PS Audio Stellar. Darrin Myers, who designed the Stellar Phono recently left PS Audio for Parasound, great engineer, and it seems PS Audio is liquidating their stock of this preamp, and assume they have no plan to continue its development. Thus the reason to get a very good deal on it. That said, I'm sure PS Audio will stand behind it, and will gladly help you with any issues you may have.
I'm sure it will add a lot to your system.
|
@bkeske Thanks. The phono stage is still full price on PS Audio's own website and other places. The dealer I am buying from, out of Canada on the Canuck Audio Mart, has offered similar discounts on other PS Audio gear.
|
@dz13
Interesting. Seems I have heard others getting this same deal recently, perhaps the same seller. So, I assumed a ’liquidation’ of this unit. Perhaps I am mistaken. Maybe this seller is simply liquidating their stock.
Regardless, congrats!
|
I own the PS Audio Stellar....$1699 on sale...It's a steal at that price....I can see why Parasound would want Mr. Myers......I returned the 3K Parasound for this unit....50% richer sound and 1/2 the price.
|
