2. amps-preamps
  3. 170359-22758

Tube preamp with the best built in phono - $4k budget

I’m looking for a noticeable upgrade from my current (and well loved) Juicy Music Blueberry Xtreme. My primary source is vinyl via my restored Garrard 401 with Schick tonearm and Zu DL103 mk2 grade 2, into an A23 SUT. 
Amplifiers are Atma-Sphere m60 mk3.3’s, so a balanced pre would make the most sense. I am assuming an Atma-Sphere MP3 would be the obvious choice for synergy, but they are tough to find on the used market. I was also looking at Audio Research. I like the simplicity (and cost) of a pre that includes phono rather than a line stage plus separate phono pre - but maybe this is limiting. Speakers are restored Quad 57’s (2 pairs stacked). Thanks for any suggestions! 
rhythmnsound

Showing 1 response by rhythmnsound

rhythmnsound OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions! 
That Luxman looks beautiful - reminds me of a Marantz 7c. 
Yes definitely want to keep it balanced to get the most out of the M60’s. 
I am leaning toward saving some more to go big with a matching MP-3 or even an MP-1. 
Is the outage from MP-3 to MP-1 really worth the extra $?


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