Moderately priced phono preamps

How are you using JUST the phono section of the PSE preamp ? Are you feeding the pre out of the PSE into into one of the Rotel's aux inputs or simply running the PSE directly to the amps when "phono-ing" ? Given your current system, you would need to be relatively careful as to the tonality of any phono preamp. In my experience, Rotel gear is slightly brighter and etched sounding while the older PSE amps had a soft high end to them. This should tend to level things out slightly. While the Focus' tend to be VERY picky about electronics, you might want to look at the cartridge that your using and come to some conclusions about it's tonality. Then you can see where that leaves you at in terms of what to look for in terms of a phono pre. Gain characteristics of the phono section along with loading versatility would be things to keep in mind also, as you might change cartridges somewhere down the road. Sean >

I'm not quite sure how to respond to your question, since it's not clear to me how you intend to operate the system. If you are looking ONLY for a phono preamp stage, the two choices which come to mind are either the Creek phono preamp, or the Lehmann Audio Black Cube. I have a Black Cube that I bought used for $425, and I use it for the analog input into my digital pre/pro. I have been very pleased with its performance. If, however, you want to completely replace your older PSE preamp with a newer unit that has a top quality phono stage, then I suggest either the Adcom GFP-750 -- about $800-850 used -- or the older Adcom GFP-565, which also has an excellent phono stage, and can be bought used for less than $350.

I have the Creek OBH-8 phono preamp, and I am quite satisfied with it. As for the previous mention of getting a new preamp, the Adcom GFP750 is a nice preamp, but I believe it is line only, without a phono stage (check the Adcom site)

Yes, I only use the PSE for records and use the PSEs Record Out to an Aux In on the Rotel. I do not remember it's name, but I have the cartridge that typically is sold with the Rega. Yes, I would like to replace the PSE--only if I can find something that's better sounding. My other option, which I did not mention, but several brought up, is to sell my Rotel 985 ($2.000 list) and buy something that has a phono input (like the Sunfire Theater Grand). If I went that way, I would wait until DAC upsampling becomes more common--probably a year or two. Your replies have been helpful and I will do a little more research.

I've heard the black cube. It wasn't lacking for much of anything. Excellent sound. Very detailed and almost 'sweet' sounding. A nice ergonomic consideration is that it does not require it's own shelf.