[dkd7]

With the only 2 pre's that I have used which first was the phono stage of my Denon AVR-3300, then my current Yamaha CX-1000 going through a B&K ST-202, I have been contemplating building a 3440 or possibly holding out for a Jolida JD9. Seems the 3440's price has leaned me to build one which really isn't a problem, just after reading reviews on the JD9 I have to ask how do these two compare? Should I just build a 3440 or does the JD9 just blow it away?

Has been a long time since I used anything with a power tube, has me curious though. Based on what I have read, it's a fair guess that either should wake up my system, or am I doubting the CX-1000 too much.

[Ericus Rex]

It'll be hard finding anyone who has significant experience with all those preamps.  The Jolida is relatively inexpensive and well received.  I'd recommend just jumping in and getting that.  If you're worried about taking a bath if you don't like it then buy used.  That way you could resell it for what you paid and not lose any money.

[neobop]

That's Cinemag 3440 transformers?
Save your money - my 2 cents.  A transformer is going to be no better than the phono stage it's plugged into.
Even if the MM stage on your preamp is better than the MC (I don't know that it is), it could still overload and sound worse or just different than the MC stage.  Have you tried a tranny?  They tend to hum and you have to move them around.

I don't think there are power tubes in the JD9, more likely preamp tubes.  There are also others around this price.  Lehmann, Clearaudio, Project, Vincent, Musical Fidelity, and more.  How's that room and TT stand coming along?  I was thinking, maybe you could rearrange and put the TV and speakers on the long wall?  You seem to have a lot of empty space behind the TV. 

[dkd7]

I almost pulled the trigger on a Monolithic PS-1 & HC-1b combo for just under $500 last year but have been sleeping on another preamp since then. I have heard mixed reviews on the Pro-Ject Phono Box II which was another option, i'm trying to keep under $600 but can be swayed slightly.

The TT is coming along, have a set of spikes coming and haven't decided on a stand yet but have a few in mind.

The room is doable on the long wall but not really. There is a slider to the outside on the right wall right in the middle of the wall, the opposite was an option but the fact the room is only 18' wide, viewing distance is compromised especially when the equip sits 4' from the wall. Maybe when I eventually invest in a wall-mount display I may move things around but the PQ of the CRT is just too good to let go right now.

I wanted to edit, the phono stage I was looking at was the Vincent PHO-8, not the Monoithic, and was $250...the Mono was out of my budget at the time.

[neobop]

Let me do an edit as well, concerning tranny and MM stages.  Using a tranny will often improve the S/N ratio and dynamics of a MM stage.  Usually the MM is quieter than a MC stage anyway.  If the voltage your MM stage "sees" from the tranny is greater than a typical MM cart, then you will realize these improvements. You will realize it even more than if you used your MC stage. But that's not the whole story.  Some MM stages get overloaded using a very high output cart.  Often this isn't recognised as such by the user and might even be preferred - like a DJ using a 10mV cart and a cheap phono stage. Years ago I had a Cotter tranny and a Kisiki. Forget the model, but it was one that I could change loading by resoldering little silver connectors under the side plate. To make a long story short, what I needed was a good phono stage - weakest link and all that. 

In reality, you'll still be listening to your old MM stage.  Transformers rarely match a cart perfectly and other problems can be loss of detail, microdynamics and harmonic nuance.  What happens if you want to switch carts?  IMO, if you want to use a tranny, first you need a really good MM stage. Then you have to find the perfect tranny for your cart.  I doubt if one exists, but that's my opinion. It's also my opinion that on your budget - forget about it.

There are quite a few past threads about budget phono stages and excellent results. I've read good things about the Vincent, but never heard one. Focus on the MC stage, that's the hardest to optimise.  There's a new Musical Fidelity V-LPS and Lehmann Black Cube Statement?
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/View-All-Phono-Preamps?range=49%2C85%2C85

[watercourse]

Let me do an edit as well, concerning tranny and MM stages.  Using a tranny will often improve the S/N ratio and dynamics of a MM stage.  Usually the MM is quieter than a MC stage anyway.  If the voltage your MM stage "sees" from the tranny is greater than a typical MM cart, then you will realize these improvements. You will realize it even more than if you used your MC stage. But that's not the whole story.  Some MM stages get overloaded using a very high output cart.  Often this isn't recognised as such by the user and might even be preferred - like a DJ using a 10mV cart and a cheap phono stage. Years ago I had a Cotter tranny and a Kisiki. Forget the model, but it was one that I could change loading by resoldering little silver connectors under the side plate. To make a long story short, what I needed was a good phono stage - weakest link and all that. 

In reality, you'll still be listening to your old MM stage.  Transformers rarely match a cart perfectly and other problems can be loss of detail, microdynamics and harmonic nuance.  What happens if you want to switch carts?  IMO, if you want to use a tranny, first you need a really good MM stage. Then you have to find the perfect tranny for your cart.  I doubt if one exists, but that's my opinion. It's also my opinion that on your budget - forget about it.

There are quite a few past threads about budget phono stages and excellent results. I've read good things about the Vincent, but never heard one. Focus on the MC stage, that's the hardest to optimise.  There's a new Musical Fidelity V-LPS and Lehmann Black Cube Statement?
http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/View-All-Phono-Preamps?range=49%2C85%2C85

Agree with everything Neobop said, to the letter. I just tried out the three Cinemag offerings from Bob's Devices, only to find that the active MC stage in my Heed was very good with my Shelters and the $1200 I would have had to spend for a bit of S/N improvement - but with a loss of extension and microdynamics - just wasn't worth it. You should focus on getting a good phono stage, and if you're still interested, check out transformers when you have the dough and see if they're to your (or your cart's) liking.

[dkd7]

During my search for phono stages I came across a Phonomena 2 for a great price, offer was acccepted and I should have it by mid week. This phono stage will provide far more flexibility than what I am currently using.

Thanks for all the tips, while I know there are better phono stages out there, this should take me down the road for awhile.