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Help. What phono preamp to buy?

I am revisiting Vinyl. I am getting a Clearaudio Solution with a Unify arm and a Benz Micro cartridge ( MC L2 with 0.4mV output )
I have not been able to decide on a phono pre-amp and I would like to hear all of your suggestions. The rest of the system is a Cary SLI-80 integrated amp, used mostly in 40watt triode mode, B&W 804N and an REL Storm III Sub. The most expensive one I have researched is the Herron. Also wonder about the EAR and Phenomena. The price of these ranges from $600 to $3250. I would like to stay in the $1000 range if possible.
Ag insider logo xs@2xsnooker14
carlbeckerc49d
1 posts
 
I have the same cartridge and use a CAT SL-1 signature with VTL Tiny Triodes and Quad 57 speakers. I have plenty of gain and recommend its sound qualities.
artmaltman
769 posts
 
Find a used Sonic Frontiers Phono One. Clasa A Stereophile, $2000 new but probably half that used. Great detail and authority with tube palpability. I keep trying other phono stages, being tempted by the latest hot item, but then I return to the SF and I'm floored by the clarity and beauty of my LP sound.
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snooker14 OP
164 posts
 
Wow! Thanks for all the responses. This gives me plenty to research. In answer to a couple of suggestions: there is only one dealer in my area (rural Vermont). Also, before I started this thread, I read every thread in the analogue section that mentioned Phono Pre-amps or Benz-Micro. I realized that some of you would be able to match my cartridge to those phono stages which would work well with it, because you know a lot more about analogue than I.
As usual, the more I read, the more I learn. Thanks again for the responses.
jcbtubes
400 posts
 
Cpdunn99- On the used market, the AAVO goes for about 1/2 retail, so it's a little over your desired 1K. However, the elimination of a pre-amp and an IC should help justify the extra expenditure. I think the "full option" unit is around 2700 retail. Good luck with you search.
cpdunn99's avatar
cpdunn99
639 posts
 
Jctubes,

It's actually Snooker's search, not mine! However, I have heard great things about the AAV1 and would love to audition it, particularly at that used price.
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