If you had $1500ish to spend on a phono stage today for MC/MM...

JimJ

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Currently on the hunt for a new phono preamp. Cart is an AT LOMC. The rest of the system is tubes (DIY 6SN7 pre, SET monos) so I was shying away from something like a Hagerman Trumpet but maybe I have the wrong idea with that.

Sutherland? Rogue Audio? The Triton II does remind me of the Model 99 I had for years.

Interested to hear what's been working for you lately :)

nlitworld

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If you're comfortable with DIY, look at the Tubes4HiFi PH16. I have one with a custom built chassis and integrated sut and it's fabulous. Definitely scales with upgrades in parts as well.

Other options I've heard that are nice in that range is the Parasound JC3 Jr. Good detail, very quiet, but a little flatter in presentation. Could have been my friend's room though. Should be able to find a used one in your price range.

I.Greyhound Fan

There are lots of options, but here is my vote.

Hegel V10

https://www.analogplanet.com/content/hegels-remarkable-v10-phono-preamplifier

This was my second choice for a new phono preamp.  I bought a Gold Note PH-10 instead.
« Last Edit: Yesterday at 07:37 pm by I.Greyhound Fan »

brooklyn

I have a Sutherland Little Loco Transimpedance phono stage with a Hana Umami Blue LOMC Cartridge.. I've been using that combo for well over a year.. I'm getting excellent imaging with a black back round along with plenty of detail.. I would say the overall sound is neutral..

You can stick any LOMC phono stage in your system but what type of sound quality are you looking for?
I like my sound quality slightly on the warm side.. I'm using a tube integrated amp which also helps to get me there..
Look for balance with your current system whatever you decide.. See if you can narrow your choices down to a couple in your price range.. Do some research before you pull the trigger.

Rocket

Hi,

I previously had a hagerman trumpet mm/mc phono stage. It was pretty good with a very slight tube sound. I ultimately went with the internal phono stage of the SST Ambrosia preamplifier.

Cheers Rod