[Heckler75]

Hi,

picking up a VPI Scout 1.1  and Dynavector 20x2 (low-output) cartridge and needed help picking a quality Phono preamp  between $300-$800(max) 

low noise, no hum, and a good universal phono (try other cartridges  in future)


i'm  i asking to much in that price range.

[roscoeiii]

Look for the Dynavector P75. A great little preamp that you can employ in PE mode to maximum effect due to the low impedance of the 20X2L.

A great option in that price range. You can get a used one around $350-450. New (and think they just came out with v3) is around $800, IIRC.

[roscoeiii]

I am also a big fan of Avid phono stages. Their Pellar is around the top of your price range. I loved my Pulsus.

[Ericus Rex]

You can find a used Rogue Triton in that price range.

You might also consider the Ray Samuels Nighthawk in that price range.

[Wayner]

I have both the Emotiva XPS-1 ($150) and the iPhono ($400) preamps and they are both winners that have adjustable loading for MC cartridges. You could use the saved money to buy more records.

[Airborn]

Vista Audio Phono One Mk II. $299 and completely adjustable to your specific cart by Boris. 

[sunnydaze]

In that price range I have owned:

JuicyMusic Tercel
Ray Samuel NightHawk
Jasmine 2.0 SE
Vista

The Tercel is my favorite, and I still own it.  I'm a tube guy and to my ear it just brings more beauty, emotion and palpability to the table.  The Vista was a close second.  Insanely good for the money, but not super flexible in that it needs to be sent back to Boris for any gain or load changes.

[bacobits1]

I have had these and very good

Vista totally adjustable now v2
iFi Phono
Jasmine LP2.0 MKII
Musical Surroundings Nova can be had used for $600

I have not had, but lots of good choices
Jolida JD9
Dynavector P75 MKIII (on CA AudioMart)
PS Audio GCPH

[yeldarb]

Another vote for the Emotiva.  If they get back in stock, try one, I believe that they are returnable.  I am very pleased with the sound of mine.

[roscoeiii]

IMHO, grabt the P75 Mk III. Checks your boxes AND a great match with your cart.

[Hear Clifford Brown]

I have a Heed Quasar that I bought used for $700.  It seems like a fantastic phono stage to me.  Using it with a Well Tempered Amadeus and Dynavector XX-2 MkII cart.   Completely silent background compared to the Aesthetix Janus I once had, which is a full function preamp, with the phono section being about the same as the stand alone Rhea.  My analog front end was completely different then, so not an apples to apples comparison, but the Heed is highly recommended. 

[Minn Mark]

I'm using the Audio by Van Alstine Vision, and it's in your price range. Mine is installed in my AVA pre-amp, but Frank also makes standalone versions for MM or MC.

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179&Itemid=237

Highly recommended.

Mark

[roscoeiii]

I have a Heed Quasar that I bought used for $700.  It seems like a fantastic phono stage to me.  Using it with a Well Tempered Amadeus and Dynavector XX-2 MkII cart.   Completely silent background compared to the Aesthetix Janus I once had, which is a full function preamp, with the phono section being about the same as the stand alone Rhea.  My analog front end was completely different then, so not an apples to apples comparison, but the Heed is highly recommended.

Yes, I have heard good things about those Heeds.

[Heckler75]

I am also a big fan of Avid phono stages. Their Pellar is around the top of your price range. I loved my Pulsus.

Roscoeiii,

thanks for suggestions,   so Avid Pellar, might be a better choice, than Dynavector P75 MK3 .

would  the Avid pellar,   would be consider more of a universal Phono preamp, than dynavector,  if you want to try out different cartridges?

have you heard both side by side, to compare.

[roscoeiii]

I haven't tried the Avid and the P75 out side by side. And I am not sure how the Pellar compares to the Pulsar.

Both are very versatile phono stages.

[threshold t-50]

Hi,

picking up a VPI Scout 1.1  and Dynavector 20x2 (low-output) cartridge and needed help picking a quality Phono preamp  between $300-$800(max) 

low noise, no hum, and a good universal phono (try other cartridges  in future)


i'm  i asking to much in that price range. A few months back I added both the 20x2L & the Dynavector P-75 MKIII to my 1986 Linn TT. A huge jump in sound quality. Very quiet, plus detailed top end and excellent detailed bottom. W/my dealer we tried both the P-75 MKIII and the Parasound JC3 and found that the Dynavector phono was just a natural match for the 20x2L. This IMHO is a great combo.

[dlaloum]

The Musical Surrounds Phonomena / Nova family seem like a great bet... especially if you can score one used with the battery power supply. (which should be within your price range)

They have fantastic flexibility in cartridge loading for both MM and MC - flexibility in MC loading is relatively common, but flexibility in MM loading is quite rare....

Power supply is one of the major determinants of phono stage performance - and nothing beats a battery PSU for low noise!

anyway just my two bits....

I currently use a JLTI phono, probably a touch outside your price range, unless you find one used.

[bacobits1]

I liked the MS Nova when I had it.
There is a PS audio GCPH on Audio Mart for $399