Need an Entry Level Phono Preamp

About the AES PH-1. Like any other electronics it has its strenghts and short-comings. Which ever you end up with will depend solely on what you are willing to compromise.
The ph-1 is a solid performer considering what it can deliver with its price/performance ratio. Audio Asylum has a lot of discussions with mixed reviews (IMHO).(From my experience) It will give you prat and the musicality of tubes . Have the flexibility to tailor the sound by tube-rolling.
One minor (for me)thing worth mentioning (from my expereince and forums)is a slight HUM at high volume (85% volume setting and above). This hum can also vary depending on which MM cartridge use and how good the unit is built and placed. I've read varying reviews/coments from being very quiet to audible hum at listening levels.

If you decide to try the PH-1 may I suggest to get a factory-built unit with the upgrades (and a 30 day return policy if possible). I believe Upscale Audio still sells them at $599.00 (last time I checked). But if you check the AES/Cary website the price is bumped-up to $900.

I've had mine since 2002 and very happy with it. I can only compare it with SS phono preamps (Luxman Tp117 and 1 unknown brand I still use for sanity check :^)
The Ph-1 has that nice bloom at the mids. I use an LP12TT/grado gold cart. Try to use a MM cartridge with at least 5 mv output as the PH-1 has a gain of only 36dB. A 6.5mv output MM cartridge would be the ideal match for this Phono preamp.
For more info on cartridge/phono preamp matching visit "KAB" website.
Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.

I've heard from reliable sources that the Heed Quasar is one of the best phono preamps for the money. It is compared to stages 2-3 times the price and retails for 1000 USD.

Andrew

I heard back from Bryston about a phono stage for the BP25. They do the mod at the factory for $600 plus shipping costs. That seems fair but I just had my BP25 serviced and tested in July. It's perfect. I'd rather not part with it at this point. So I'm back to an outboard phono stage.

But I did some homework and I find that I need 47 kOhms impedance input with a 100pF capacitive load for my Shure V-15 VMR. Gain should be at least 39dB. So now it comes down to the sound.

The new Pro-ject Tube Box MKII looks interesting with two 12AX7A output tubes. Gain stage is probably op amps. On the cheap, the Parasound zPhono meets the requirement. Class C rated and all that. Rega Fono MM and the Cambridge 640P are options too.

Let's see....what else is out there? Do any of the above stand out as a decent phono stage for an old Thorens table with the Shure cartridge. I also have a high output MC Adcom Cross Coil hiding somewhere too.

Or, I save a little more and go for the Dynavector?

I think it depends on your future plans. If you're going to stick with your Thorens/Shure rig for a while, then any of the choices you've listed should be fine, and maybe you'd be just as happy with NAD and Creek's less expensive phono stages too. But if you're thinking of upgrading your rig in the next couple of years, then holding out for the dyna makes sense. You really can't go wrong one way or the other.

Thought I'd try the Bellari after all. I haven't listened to tubes since my old LEAK preamp/amp. Gain is only 30dB but this should be OK for a 3.6 mV output Shure V15 VMR.

With only 250 LPs I'm not sure if I'll need to go upscale from here, unless I get addicted to vinyl! This may be just the beginning.

Thanks for all the help!

Cheers.