Affordable phono preamp?

Jflemelin · « **on:** 24 Mar 2020, 03:26 pm »

Hi everyone,

In these uncertain times, I'm looking for a quality affordable phono preamp... Buying used is an option. Sooo what would you recommend? Go!

kbuzz3 · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 04:39 pm »

budget? MC v. MM?

RPM123 · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 04:40 pm »

Define "affordable".

Jflemelin · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 06:04 pm »

MM.

Under 750$ would be my budget.

Thanks

sunnydaze · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 06:17 pm »

Use the search tool, or look at similar threads in the same Circle.

This one from just a few weeks ago covers the same ground and should be helpful:

https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=168460.0

And basically the same query / thread on AudioNervosa:

https://www.audionervosa.com/index.php?topic=7519.0

rollo · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 06:27 pm »

VISTA, right here on AC. KABOOM for the buck period. Not a dealer for Vista.

charles

Bob2 · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 07:05 pm »

Jflemelin · « **Reply #7 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 09:21 pm »

Thanks for the input guys.

xsb7244 · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Mar 2020, 10:06 pm »

check out Ryan Sound Lab RSL Phono Stage. MM version is $699.

xsb7244 · « **Reply #9 on:** 25 Mar 2020, 01:37 am »

Swetone Audio on face book.

SteveFord · « **Reply #10 on:** 25 Mar 2020, 09:59 am »

A used Jolida JD-9 with some NOS tubes might be a good way to go.

dB Cooper · « **Reply #11 on:** 25 Mar 2020, 10:56 am »

Van Alstine Vision phono pre with fully adjustable loading MC/MM $500

Jflemelin · « **Reply #12 on:** 25 Mar 2020, 02:07 pm »

Quote from: dB Cooper on 25 Mar 2020, 10:56 am

Van Alstine Vision phono pre with fully adjustable loading MC/MM $500

AVA keeps poping up on my radar... I'll look into it. The Ultravalve is also tempting as an amplifier...

kbuzz3 · « **Reply #13 on:** 25 Mar 2020, 03:52 pm »

I did this search a while back....did not pull the trigger but the ones that were most recommended were

lounge audio
vista
tavish
AVA

Denverhifi · « **Reply #14 on:** 4 Apr 2020, 03:27 pm »

Another strong recommendation would be the Keces Ephono & Epower supply for $699. Mine is about three months old, and is awesome for the money. I have had two AVA phono preamps. Prior to the Keces, I had a separate AVA paired to my Benchmark LA4. The Benchmark replaced a AVA T10 RB with a phono preamp.
Along with external adjustments, it also is two separate chassis.
It did not take all of the 14 day trial period to decide which one to keep. The AVA is a garden hose compared to the Keces fire hydrant.
The attack, and decay, of acoustic instruments, is palpable.

vanderstephen · « **Reply #15 on:** 4 Apr 2020, 04:19 pm »

Perhaps a used Sutherland will come up during your search. I'm very happy with my older Ph3d-ac.
Edit- I see a Sutherland KC Vibe on audiogon now. Asking $670, 12 days left. Maybe some negotiating room. No relationship to the seller.

REY · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 Apr 2020, 07:57 pm »

Please, please research the Puffin Phono from Parks Audio, a "digital phono preamp" with DPS and much more. The designer keeps improving the machine with new firmware's and know it even has a click and pop reducer. To me is like if you would buy a tube amp and every 2-3 months the amp company would send a new set of tubes your way for free just to try them to see if you like them. The guy could sell this upgrades but he just releases them for free. Just read the reviews in Amazon, not associated in any way with the company, just a very happy customer, $499 I believe.

James^ · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 May 2020, 07:08 am »

I think Roy Mottram's SP8, tube phono and line stage preamp WITH tube power supply, for $720 would be well worth considering!

Quote from: Jflemelin on 24 Mar 2020, 03:26 pm

Hi everyone,

In these uncertain times, I'm looking for a quality affordable phono preamp... Buying used is an option. Sooo what would you recommend? Go!

Grinnell · « **Reply #18 on:** 29 Jun 2020, 10:26 pm »

Look at the Hagerman Cornet II or III great tube sound

nlitworld · « **Reply #19 on:** 30 Jun 2020, 01:02 am »

Honestly, if you're looking on the tube side of things the Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 is pretty solid. Swap those tubes for some Gold Lions and do a happy dance. Clear vivid sound with a wallop of intensity and big soundstage. And to boot you'd be $500 all in with tubes and a much better sound than I gave it credit for prior to buying.