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Which Tube Phono Pre Amo?

I’m looking to add a tube pre amp to my system. The 2 that I am looking at are Decware ZP3 and Space Tech Labs P - 103. - Mk3. My current cartridge is an Ortofon Bronze 2m on VPI Scout turntable with a Ortofon Blue interconnect to my current phono pre( inexpensive solid state). I have a Jolida Fusion 6802 integrated amp and Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. All other interconnects/speaker wire are Morrow level 4 grades.
I typically listen to mostly blues records and particularly like stuff with stand up bass, hollow body guitars and harmonica, i do also listen to alternate country, rock and roll ect. My current equipment is likely to not change other than to an Ortofon Black 2m cartridge and plan to stay with a MM cartridge indefinitely. I prefer to be engaged with the music and try and not listen to the equipment but do require a certain level of sound reproduction.
Which pre amp would you choose or recommend?
14point1

Showing 2 responses by oldhvymec

oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
ZP3, I'm happy it took about 250 hours to settle a bit . I had new tone arm wires, cables and a Soundsmith Carmen Med Compliance cart. MI not MC or MM . No SUT needed.

I'm hearing one thing.. What's on that record. Very little influence from the cart or the phono pre. Transparent is a very good description. Clear bottom, ZERO microphonics and one QUIET phono stage.. I mean dead quiet.. Valves and ZERO noise.. Point to Point.. 

Somebody knew what the heck they were doing AND at a very reasonable price.

Visually it is a bit of a let down. BUT it would be very easy to doll up IF that is your thing... I'm for the most part.. Run what you brung, kind of guy.
BUT bling is cool..

For reference, I'm running TD124s in heavy wood plinth with 3012s and 3009s SMEs.  Not to fancy BUT just about zero rumble. Very sound, quiet units..

Regards
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Sure an interesting design.. Boy oh boy quit the looker.. The Fosgate.

BUT I gotta have quiet.. I’d like to hear one.. Tube rectified and a good power supply.. plenty of Horse power for a MC cart..

Good price for sure. I wonder if a little better valve selection would net a quieter unit???? Grid picky?

Yea OP you won't be unhappy that I can assure you.. The cool thing. They resale for MORE than new.. no kidding.. IF you can ever find a used one, it will reflect a LONG WAIT, a good breakin, and usually a good tube roll.

That's worth a few quid..

Regards
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