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Need an Entry Level Phono Preamp

Well, it's been 22 years and I'd like to go back and spin some vinyl. I'm considering a Cambridge 640P and a Rega Fono for a Shure V-15 VMR on either an old Dual CS5000 or Thorens TD160. I was ready to buy the Bellari but the 60Hz hum problem I heard about here on A'gon scared me away. I just want to listen to my old records, not troubleshoot ground loops. Also considered tubes from an AES PH-1 and the new Pro-Ject Tube Box II. OK, let's through in the Jolida JD-9A for kicks. That's a price range from $169 to about $550 which is fine. Line Pre is a Bryston BP-25.

I welcome your comments and recommendations. Oh, I listen primarily to classical music. Someone has to keep it alive!

Thanks!
av2k
shersta
140 posts
 
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.
av2k OP
17 posts
 
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.
draconis
11 posts
 
Can't go wrong with a Trichord Dino, very flexible and upgradable with different power supplies too. I use one with a Denon DL103R and it sounds fantastic.
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