Tube phono preamp recommendation under $8k

bcanady · « **on:** 2 Mar 2025, 06:42 am »

Hi,
I'm a newbie here. Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k? My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge.
Thanks,
Bob

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #1 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 05:41 pm »

With this hi budget there is plenty of options.

Zuman · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 06:38 pm »

You will, of course, get plenty of suggestions for the phono stages members actually own. That makes sense, though, because we bought them because we found them appealing...it's not just blind loyalty or a need to get others to "agree" with us.
With that caveat, I'm very pleased with my Modwright PH 9.0XT, at around $5k.
-The base PH 9.0 uses two 6C45 tubes and two 6DJ8/6922/7308 tubes, and has a remote power supply connected by an umbilical.
-The upgraded PH 9.0X adds a pair of Lundahl gapped output transformers, removing a pair of chokes and coupling caps from the signal path.
-The PH 9.0XT changes the power supply to a tube-rectified PS. I've noted a significant sound difference with different tubes, and I'm currently using a Sophia Electric Aqua 274B, which I find provides tube depth and fullness while retaining clarity, air, and transparency.
https://www.modwright.com/products/ph-9-0-ph-9-0x-ph-9-0xt-tube-phono-stage/
Good luck. It's really a good idea to find a dealer who'll let you try out components in your own system, as synergy is critically important.

JakeJ · « **Reply #3 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 08:08 pm »

Audio Research
Valve Amplification Company
Audio Note
Cary Audio
Manley
VTL

To name a few. You might also consider this as an opportunity to upgrade to a full function preamp with the phono stage built in.

toocool4 · « **Reply #4 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 09:09 pm »

Nagra VPS, simple design but very good phonostage.

bcanady · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 10:00 pm »

Thank you for the recommendations so far. I agree it would be great if I can audition a few in my system.

bcanady · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 Mar 2025, 10:08 pm »

Although I have not heard any ARC tube phono preamps yet, I've done the most research on ARC since so many Wilson owners seem to love ARC equipment. If I can find an ARC Ref 3 or 2SE this might be where I begin.
Bob

tull skull · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Mar 2025, 04:45 am »

New Record Day just did a nice review of a Manley phono.

I have not heard it but I was extremely impressed with the design of the MOFI Phono pre. I can't remember who they hired for the design but it looks to be very well thought out. If I were searching at this time they would be on my list. Though I still like it very much. my phono is about 15 years old so I can't really offer a personal suggestion. (Mine is no longer in production)

lokie · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Mar 2025, 02:49 pm »

If it were me, I would be looking at used ASL and Aesthetix.
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650106749-aesthetix-calypso-eclipse-edition/

theflattire · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Mar 2025, 06:01 am »

I have a Modwright PH9.0XT.
The PH150 reference is right around your budget.
I would also look at Allnic and Zesto.

Delta77 · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Mar 2025, 08:29 am »

As for me,
I own a Decware phono pre

https://www.decwareproducts.com/zp3

But, I would love to try one of Aric’s phono preamps.

https://aricaudio.com/super-mm-phono/

nlitworld · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Mar 2025, 09:21 am »

Hi Bob,
First off, welcome to the club. We promise to always be the voice of bad influence in directing you further down the rabbit hole of fun audio gear.

For me, it was a Tubes4HiFi PH16 kit that won me over. It is the same basic model that Don Sachs used as a basis for his phono stage (but with upgrades). I replicated those upgrades as well, and will be doing a couple extra down the line. While way under your budget at ~$2K all in with the mods, it punches FAR above its price classification. Super detailed, very neutral but with a wonderful 3d rich sound that captures all the surroundings and emotion.

As for regular retail units, a Modwright would never be a bad call. There are tons of rave reviews and always seems to keep solid resale value if you're the type to catch & release your audio gear. Really in your budget, it'd be hard to find a bad sounding phono pre.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #12 on:** 15 Mar 2025, 05:36 pm »

Quote from: bcanady on 2 Mar 2025, 06:42 am

Hi,
I'm a newbie here. Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k? My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge.
Thanks,
Bob

In the Trading Circle there is a nice used Phono Stage MM only.
Great built quality a bargain at this price>
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=191621.msg2005081#new

Audiosaurusrex · « **Reply #13 on:** 15 Mar 2025, 10:42 pm »

For Me Modwright PH9.0XT all day. American Made, Outstanding Build, Exceptional Customer Service and an outstanding Phono-Pre, Dynamic, Transparent and Gorgeous Sounding.

theflattire · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Mar 2025, 10:04 pm »

fyi
used Modwright PH9.0XT on USAM right now

shakey · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 May 2025, 10:29 pm »

Quote from: bcanady on 2 Mar 2025, 06:42 am

Hi,
I'm a newbie here. Any suggestions on a new or used tube phono preamp under $8k? My TT is a Mofi ultradeck with a Soundsmith Zephyr 3 cartridge.
Thanks,
Bob

I was considering a tube phono stage in the same price range for my Lyra Kleos. I have been using the Kleos for the past 5 years. Instead I went with a Soundsmith Sussurro MKII Gold with a Soundsmith MCP2 Mk2 phono stage. Now, I was able to buy a demo cartridge with under 20 hours for a very good price. I also bought an Sbooster power supply and replaced the cheap wall wart that came with the MCP2. My total cost was probably around $6k. I'm so glad I went this route. The Kleos is a great cartridge but the Sussurro is in another league.

PierreB · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 May 2025, 03:14 am »

Quote from: Audiosaurusrex on 15 Mar 2025, 10:42 pm

For Me Modwright PH9.0XT all day. American Made, Outstanding Build, Exceptional Customer Service and an outstanding Phono-Pre, Dynamic, Transparent and Gorgeous Sounding.

Exactly what I think. I have the PH 9.0 and I love it.

Drummerboy2 · « **Reply #17 on:** 10 Aug 2025, 04:03 pm »

I know this an older post but I will leave my comments anyways just in case someone else is looking for help in this price range. I'm close to retirement and have been looking for awhile on my last Phono Preamp to match the level of the rest of my system. I have been going over the $4K- $6K range, lots of really nice looking and good reviews but just wish I could listen in my own system before buying. I thought I found my last phono preamp in a SPL Audio Phonos, what a mess that turned out to be. One of the best sounding Tube Phono preamps I ever heard in person was BAT VK-P10, that sound has stayed with me all these years but could not afford it at the time and was really hard to find used. So my search kept on going.

The EAR 834P was really nice in my system and would probably stayed but I need the flexibility for my different MC and MM cartridges. I was looking at the Modwright PH9.0 Phono preamp but started to look into the Manley Oasis and Hagerman Trumpet III. I read reviews on the Head to Head comparison between the Trumpet III and Modwright PH9.0, this gave me an idea of what and which one to try out first. The Trumpet III @ $1300 is not bad to be in company of $3K+ Tube Phono preamps and higher and that says quite a bit.

I chose to go with the Trumpet III, it comes with a trail period as well. I received about a week ago, I have been very happy so far, it only has 12 hours on it playing time but really impresses me. The one thing that really stood out was how quiet this Tube preamp is. So quiet I thought I didn't have the volume up enough. It has a very wide and deep soundstage with a nice tube sound (Sweetness in the mids) and NO hint of any harshness any where in the audio band. It plays everything well from instrumental to RB to Jazz to Funk (Tower Of Power) with no sign of congestion when the music get really moving.

What change my choice of what to try first between these two Tube Phono preamps was the feedback that the Modwright could sound more SS sounding and that the Trumpet III sound more like a traditional Tube Preamp but none of the traits of being slow or bloomy or flabby in the bass region. It had a nice tube sound but with speed and good tightness. Everything sound more real to me from strings to horns to vocals. All is well balanced and with nice depth and decay of cymbals and strings. I can just imagine how much better this Phono preamp will get with more hours of breaking, all this is with the stock tubes it came with.

I hope this help out others looking for a very nice tube phono preamp

Bodhi · « **Reply #18 on:** 10 Aug 2025, 04:51 pm »

Quote from: theflattire on 14 Mar 2025, 06:01 am

I have a Modwright PH9.0XT.
The PH150 reference is right around your budget.
I would also look at Allnic and Zesto.

All excellent recommendations. I found this pre-owned example for sale by a Canadian Dealer. This was the previous TOTR model - https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650208389-zesto-andros-tessera-tube-phono-stage-see-photo/

I.Greyhound Fan · « **Reply #19 on:** 11 Aug 2025, 01:34 am »

For that kind of money, I would look at the Gold Note PH-1000 preamp or a Pass Labs XP-27 preamp used. They are solid state but are fabulous. You wont get much better sound than these 2. The PH-1000 has been called one of the best phono preamps in the world. It sells for $10K new. I own a Gold Note PH-10 and it is very tube like. The Gold Note has an optional tube output stage. You would have to go the used route to fit your budget for either of these.

As others mentioned, the Modwright phono preamp is excellent. If I ever upgrade, that will be my next phono preamp. I have a friend that has one and loves it. I have never read a bad review.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/pass-labs-xp-27-phono-preamplifier

https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/gold-note-ph-1000