[markus46]

Hi all,

This question was asked in February and only got one response.  I thought it might be time to ask again.

What do owners of Nick's solid state MM/MC Phono Preamp think of the unit?  What cartridges are you using?  How does Nick's unit compare with others you have owned or auditioned?

I have a MM (Decca London Gold) and am currently using the little Hagerman bugle MM stage.  Better than the built in phono stage in my preamp but I'm ready to move up...

Thanks in advance!
Mark

[tanchiro58]

Hi all,

This question was asked in February and only got one response.  I thought it might be time to ask again.

What do owners of Nick's solid state MM/MC Phono Preamp think of the unit?  What cartridges are you using?  How does Nick's unit compare with others you have owned or auditioned?

I have a MM (Decca London Gold) and am currently using the little Hagerman bugle MM stage.  Better than the built in phono stage in my preamp but I'm ready to move up...

Thanks in advance!
Mark

Hi Mark,

Have you tried the Japanese Softone phono preamp? It uses two 12AX7s and two R-core output transformers. It can be used with low MC, high MC and MM cartridges. I do not own Promitheus Audio SS phono stage but I had the EAR 834P and still own the Hagerman Bugle. So far the Softone is the best phono preamp with an affordable price. Here is the link:

http://www.icl.co.jp/audio/english/Model4/m4-1.htm

Good luck on your search,
Tan

[markus46]

Hi Mark,

Have you tried the Japanese Softone phono preamp? It uses two 12AX7s and two R-core output transformers. It can be used with low MC, high MC and MM cartridges. I do not own Promitheus Audio SS phono stage but I had the EAR 834P and still own the Hagerman Bugle. So far the Softone is the best phono preamp with an affordable price. Here is the link:

http://www.icl.co.jp/audio/english/Model4/m4-1.htm

Good luck on your search,
Tan

Thanks Tan,

This looks very interesting.  Can't say I'd heard of the Softone piece.

It is US$100 more expensive than Nick's offering, and looking at the Softone web site, shipping is another US$117 to Australia!  Don't know if I'll persue this one...

Cheers!
Mark