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I need an economical but good phono preamp?

I have a Thorens 145 TT with Nagaoka MP11 cartridge, HarmonKardon DPR 2005 HT Receiver and JPW loudspeakers. I had a cheap phono preamp from Radio Shack but there is a very loud (annoying) hum. I ran my ipod through the preamp and still had the hum so I don't think it is the turntable.
Can anyone advise on an affordable (<$200), yet respectable phono preamp?
kmaclac
karelfd
476 posts
 
Clearaudio Nano Phono; not only sonically an overachiever in its price bracket but also extremely versatile (e.g. finely adjustable gain)
http://www.clearaudio.de/eng/pv_nanophono.html
oilmanmojo
472 posts
 
Rotel makes a entry level phono stage that should meet your requirements. It is not on par with the best but its performance is solid. It does not work well with the very lo output MC cartridges but .24 and higher works well. price is about 150 dollars
dmagalhaes
5 posts
 
You can always pick up an Advent Model 300 Receiver. The phono section is nothing short of outstanding and you have a full preamp section as a backup. It's a saving grace for me right now since my PV-7 is at conrad johnson having the PS rebuilt.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
Carver C-1 MM and MC. Used.
jim_liedeka
2 posts
 
I use a Cambridge Audio 640P with a Grado Sonata cart. It sounds really good to me. It's dead quiet and doesn't appear to color the sound. I may change my mind when I get more resolving speakers but it suits me for now.
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