3K to 4K Phono Pre-Amp

Not to be simple, but are you asking about a phono stage or a step-up transformer/pre pre-amp? If you are really looking for versatility and the best sound, you have to consider these items seperately. And you don't have to spend more than $300 for a passive step-up and around the same amount for a tube-based phono with power supply that will sound as good as anything else out there, even price no object. That will let you spend more money on the TT itself. Keep visiting DIY horn/tube guys in whatever town you are in, or whenever you travel. You'll find the best stuff with these guys.

RonyW

Thanks for the feedback RonyW.

I have a Cary SLP-98P and I have considered a step-up for it, but I was told by several audiophiles that this approach would not be ideal in comparison with a new, high quality phono preamp like a Rhea, Hagerman (plus step-up), the Ear suggested above or idealy a used Manley or Aesthetix IO.

As soon as I can get through remodeling in my house, now extending through Sept according to the contractor, I plan on stepping up my efforts to investigate and purchase a State-of-the-art Turntable (VPI HR-X, SME20/2A performance package, or the like (Maybe even a Teres is in the running with a Graham Arm).

I would like a top end cartridge like a transfiguration or a maybe even a Koetsu if the sound is right, but I will try to be open-minded, recognizing the great sound of Shelter and many others.

I am trying to get all I can from my records without busting my budget. Currently my VPI/MKIV/SME309/Grado Ref sound better than CDs on my Nuvista to me (which I think is a killer CD player). I can only imagine how much better vinyl could be. I feel that I am limited by my current set-up against using very high-end MC cartridges or low output MI Grados. I plan to dedicate the VPI to mono in the expanded system.

Obviously, I will spend a long time making these decisions. But, that will be at least half of the fun - both listening and learning.

By the way, I have tried to get a local, retired RF engineer to help me build a new pre-amp but he said it was too complicated a task. If my Cary is not limiting, maybe he would help me build a step-up with some Jensens. Again, I am open.

Greg

It is quite complex question. I am quite familiar with the majority of the phonostages was proposed here and unfortunately I personally do not find them all worth to peruse. Those phonostages are just plane bad phonostages and they MUST NOT COST as much as they do. In fact, there IS NO commercially available phonostage that performs well. If you want to get ANY phonostage then do not go for what commonly consider “good” because it is just waste of money. The 3K-12K phonostages DO NOT SOUND better then 1K phonostages. If you can’t build your own phonostages or to commission somebody to build it for you then get for $400 (direct from UK) EAR 834P and update it according to Torthen specification (+$120). This unit with a good step-up will waste ANY high price phonostages. Unfortunately, as I said, there is no good MC phonocorrector out there. Good luck in your search for a good step-up.

Rgs,
Romy the Cat

VeryBigAmp, I am curious. You say you are quite familiar with all of the above mentioned stages. Are you saying you have personally auditioned all of them?

jh

Hagtech,

certainly, although I never had you’re your phonostage. (This is why I said “majority” but not the “all”).

Instead of asking me the questions that have the obvious answers (I do not thinks anyone hear me taking about something that I have no familiarity) it would be nice if you (as a designer) would explain to me how came that we today, after so many years of “ our progress”, have completely screwed-up our analog culture. He have NO SERIOUSLY PERFORMING contemporary TT, no good modern arms, not good contemporary magnetics for out MC stages, no good contemporary vinyl pressing…. and yes, no good park of the currently manufactured phonostages. Unfortunately looking at the variety of contemporary elements in the today’s system the phonocorrectors are the MOST under-performing elements in a chain of reproduction.

Rgs,
Romy the Cat