Which Phono Preamp for my System????

Thank you for your reply. I purchased the Linn Axis many years ago, and obtained the Linn K9 moving magnet (I believe this was Linn's entry level MM) cartridge to pair up with the turntable. I know it's not SOTA, and I'm not sure if the turntable, itself, warrants an upgraded cartridge OR a phono preamp beyond the <$500 models I've listed in my original thread. If I were to get an MC cartridge, it would likely be a high-output MC. I'm just planning on using the turntable the odd time I get nostalgic and want to listen to some of my older tunes.

I have very little experience with turntables other than what I've told you. Without having to change turntables (assuming my Linn Axis is still ok...???), what would you recommend for cartridge/phono-preamp? I would prefer not going over $1000 for both (used phono-preamp along with new cartridge) if possible. There must be some good bang-for-your-buck values out there! If I absolutely need to go beyond the $1000 price point to get something decent, what would you recommend?

Thanks again,
Calgarian

Thanks for all your responses.

I've received a couple emails suggesting the Dynavector P75. It is a bit above my price range, but as Rello and Armstrod suggested, if I get hooked on to vinyl, I may very well want to upgrade perhaps to a better cartridge (maybe even a MC cartridge, which the P75 can accomodate) or even a new turntable.

Kurt_tank, do you have any other suggestions if I were to increase my budget a bit?

Also...just thinking ahead here....If I were to get an upgraded cartridge, how good of a cartridge could the Axis accomodate before it would make sense to upgrade the whole turntable? For example, would it be a total mismatch to get something like the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge to pair up with the Axis???? Is it overkill for the turntable?

Hdm...I didn't realize the K9 was that horrible a cartridge. I paid around $375 Cdn for it new!

I'm just tossing ideas around. Any further discusssion or input would be greatly appreciated.

calgarian

Kurt_tank,

Thank you for your response! I'll look into the ARC as well. Thanks for your other suggestions as well. Do you think my Linn Axis is a good enough turntable to take something like the Koetsu Black? I was thinking the Koetsu cartridge might WAY outclass my turntable.

calgarian

Thank you for all your replies.

I just placed my order for the PS Audio GCPH phono stage. In the end, I decided to increase my budget and get a better phono stage for the following reasons:

* the GCPH has a great deal of flexibility and can accept a wide range of cartridges with varying outputs

* should I want to upgrade with a better turntable and cartridge, the GCPH can be modified (upgraded) by Underwood HIFI/Parts Connection here in Canada

* the GCPH has balanced XLR outputs to match my Aesthetix Calypso preamp or it can be used directly from the phono stage to the amplifier

The cartridges I am considering upgrading to in the next few months include: Benz Ace/Glider, Sumiko Blackbird, Dynavector Karat, Clearaudio V wood, Shelter 501, or possibly a used Koetsu Black! The last upgrade (probably next year) for my system would be the turntable itself. I have my eyes on a VPI Scout with signature 9 arm.

Again, thanks for your help. I hope I made the right decision. I hate buying stuff without getting to audition them...!

calgarian