Want to get into Analog but i do not have a preamp


I would like to add a turntable to my system but I only have a cd based system now.
I run my wadia direct into Wolcott tube mono's
I was thinking of trying a Vpi Aries or something in that line but do not currently have a preamp.
What would be a good but NOT very expensive preamp that I would only use for vinyl??
Thanks in advance!
btstrg

Showing 2 responses by t_bone

I guess part of this will depend on what is "NOT very expensive"... I will make a quick assumption at the "less than $1000" mark and go from there (a little over that price, the number of possibilities of "good" rises quite quickly when considering used equipment).

One way to get into a great preamp with phono stage built-in would probably be to buy an older AudioResearch (SP-6, -8, -10, -11), Conrad Johnson, or Counterpoint (SA-3 or SA-5 series) preamp. You'll get a more-than-respectable preamp with decent gain and a phono stage to boot. You should check before buying any of these whether the phono stage can handle low-output MC cartridges. Some likely won't (and therefore will need a step-up). More recent possibilities might include Audible Illusions Modulus or a VTL 2.5 with phono board. All of these should be less than $1k used.

Another possibility, and one which I have never heard but have read about quite a few Agoners' and Asylum inmates' experiences with is the WrightSound WPP200C phono stage with volume pots. You can buy new, direct from the mfr, for something on the order of $850. You might find one used. I might also dig around archives of the AudioAsylum Vinyl board. Lots of interesting commentary there too.

Even cheaper (for the soldering DIYer) might be the Bottlehead Seduction phono pre with some volume pots attached.

Disclaimer in the interests of full disclosure: I own none of these, have bought none of these, nor have any relation to anyone selling any of these, though I have listened to several (and would love to try my hand at DIY-ing).
Btstrg, from what I know (and I could be wrong), the LS-15 does not have a phono stage built-in. The SP-14 is one of the "hybrid" models. At least one commentary I've seen disparages the power supply but I would do a search of the archives to find users' experiences. An SP-14 would likely be more money than any of the lower 'even-numbered' SPs (SP-6, -8, -10) or the SP-11 because the lower numbered ones are 10+yrs older. I'd personally prefer a -10/-11/-8/-6 in that order if all the same price. These will be especially good deals if they have been 'refreshed' (capacitors replaced, etc) by the factory or modder recently. A similarly "scary-good-for-the-price" old preamp with phono, IMHO, would be a "refreshed" Counterpoint pre with separate power supply. Every now and then they come up on Audiogon and if I didn't already have something which needed refreshing, I'd definitely consider one myself.

The other route would be to go for something which was 'just a phono stage' (which means that if you ever wanted to put a preamp between your CDP and amp, you'd be outtaluck), in which case you might get something with a smaller footprint and good dedicated phono stage for similar money or up to 30-50% more.

Biggest problem with any of these older choices is that it would be tough to demo before buying used unless at a b&m dealer...