Which phono preamp?


Hi All,

I am considering getting back into vinyl, Any suggestions on best phono preamp for the money? I was deciding between the internal phono amp from Rogue (I have a Rogue 99 preamp) or something like a Lehmann Audio Black Cube, They both go for about $500-$600. FYI--the rest of my system includes a BAT VK 200, Cary 303, Dynaudio 1.3 MkII, Nordost interconnects and Harmonic Technology Pro-11 Speaker cable.

Thanks
xmore
I can't comment on the Rogue internal phono preamp, never having heard it. But in your price range you can get the new Grado phono preamp (which should be available in a month or so), or a used Plinius Jarrah phono stage. Both are better than the Black Cube, and both can embarrass much pricier phono preamps.
Try a TACT preamp module, you add the RCA's and power supply. Very flexible and awesome sound for a lot less.

Mikey Fremmer braggs on the Chamelot Phono section, and ya know what, its a TACT with a power supply and RCA in one box. If you can solder, save a bundle, or build your own battery pack.

just my 2 cents worth.

jeff
I have a have had a black cube, an EAR, a wavelength cotangent, Cary, Etc. I have ended up with 2 Naim stagelines. Find a used naim Hi-cap power supply and get the Stageline new for $350.00 you will not be disappointed. This thing gets at the soul of the music better than anything I have tried under $2000.00 You have to buy a Chord DIN to RCA to connect it to a non naim preamp but when it plays music you will find it so rhythmic, so organic you may just throw out your CD player.
Best,
JC
PS you can get the stageline configured for MM, MC, with high or lower impedance matching.
All of the comments above fail to consider what cartridge
you plan on using.

If you looking for a cartridge/preamp combo, I'd wait and listen to the Grado with one of their low out cartridges.

Otherwise, I'd stick with tubes. Try to find an octal tube MFA preamp.

Also, you'll need a TT/Arm, check out the Space Deck/Arm.
I had a black cube when I bought my 99 w/phono.
I did A/B with a Y connector.The 99 phono (stock tubes) won by a slim margin.Slightly better inner detail.
I then spent $200 on some killer NOS tubes for the 99 phono.
After that the 99 CRUSHED the black cube in all areas.