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What is the Best Phono Pre-Amp Under $750?

I have been doing research on what is the best phono pre-amp under $750. I have narrowed my slection down to the Jasmine LP2.0 MKII, Sound-Smith MCP-2 or the F-117 Nighthawk. My first choice had been the Jasmine unit but I saw a review by Philip Holmes from Dagogo (March 2010) and he said the Sound-Smith MCP-2 sounded better to him than the Jasmine stock unit.

I would appreicate audigon members opinion on what they think is the best phono stage for under $750. I would also appreciate members thoughts on the 3 units mentioned above and any problems they may have experienced with these phono pre-amps. I am somewhat concerned about the Jasmine unit since it is made in China and possibly would need to send it back to the manufacture in China for repair (which would be costly).

Please note I will be using the phono pre-amp unit with a Denon 103R cartridge (with Sound-Smith upgraded stylus) and Well Tempered turntable.

Thanks for your help.
cbman
swanny76109
382 posts
 
Second the GCPH, can find them used here all the time for 500.
sgunther
187 posts
 
used Moon LP 5.3 is very good and should be close to your price range.
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srama
41 posts
 
I'd throw the Musical Surroundings Phonomena II into the mix. Don't know if it's the "best" under $750 but it sounds absolutely incredible to me. It is also a winner in terms of sheer versatility with its extensive settings, allowing it to be used with pretty much any cartridge that is out there.
icorem
149 posts
 
I will also go with the gcph. You can find new ones on a'gon for around $600.
plato
1,543 posts
 
I bought three different PS Audio GCPH's (new) at different times to see if I could find one low enough in noise and hum to use with my 0.26mV MC cartridge. They were all objectionably noisy and I sent them all back. Maybe the other posters had better luck than I did but I think they probably are just using higher output cartridges where the noise level would not be as noticeable.

For my money the Ray Samuels Nighthawk F117 is the one to get. It is quiet, sounds very good and will accommodate almost any cartridge out there with its front-panel rotary control knobs. YMMV

Also, if you could find a used EAR 834P or Cayin Phono One for a good used price, that would be even better.
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