[sts9fan]

I am super jazzed to say my girlfriend got me a Rega P1 for my birthday!  A nice entry level intro into vinyl so I can start spinnin so black disks.  No I need a cheap/decent phono stage.  I have been eying the Parasound Zphono does any one have experience with it?  I WILL be keeping this <$200 new or used.

[fiveoclockfriday]

Never tried the Parasound, I'm sort of half-into vinyl. I use one of these with a bigger than stock power adapter http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-preamp_e.html. It's nice for <$100, or at least nice enough to maybe tide you over until you can try something else.

[sts9fan]

Now I think i am either gonna try a Pro-Ject Phono Box II or Cambridge 540P/640P.  Why because I can go to a store and get them.  Don't want to wait!

[JoshK]

Hagtech bugle is probably the best bet on cheap phonos.  Buy constructed or used on a'gon. 

http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html

$149 constructed. 

[royphil345]

The Cambridge 640-P is probably the nicest phono stage going for under $200.00.  I'd probably go with the Phono Box over the 540-P. The 640-P not only adds moving-coil capability, but it's better quality all the way around. The specs for the 540-P aren't that great.

I know you don't want to buy online, but here's a good deal on the 640-P with free shipping just in case... http://decibelchicago.stores.yahoo.net/caauaz64phpr.html

The moving-magnet only TC-750 from Phonopreamps.com is said to sound better than the Cambridge 540-P for less $... http://www.amazon.com/TC-750-Audiophile-Phono-Pre-amp-Preamplifier/dp/B000A36LQ4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1213800313&sr=8-1

I buy just about everything online... The wait is usually not long and I'd probably only have half as much stuff if I paid store prices.

[Matt__P]

I picked up a Project Phono Box SE for around $150 and its been a great performer for the money.

[sts9fan]

Thanks for the tips guys.  i think I will head down to Spearitsound or Goodwins tommorow.

Kris 

[royphil345]

I picked up a Project Phono Box SE for around $150 and its been a great performer for the money.

A Phono Box SE for $150.00 is a killer deal!!!  Nice...

[sts9fan]

Where did you find it for that price?

[rpf]

I'm not into vinyl but some friends who are say the Bellari is a good deal. <$200.

[John Casler]

I am super jazzed to say my girlfriend got me a Rega P1 for my birthday!  A nice entry level intro into vinyl so I can start spinnin so black disks.  No I need a cheap/decent phono stage.  I have been eying the Parasound Zphono does any one have experience with it?  I WILL be keeping this <$200 new or used.

The Parasound is fine for MM ONLY!!

In fact, I have found it exceptional for the Shure cartridges. (I have the V15 Improved)

But forget it with MC.  It has a noise level that is unacceptable on my Dynavector Karat Ruby.

[rajacat]

I just ordered this. http://www.phonopreamps.com/TC-760LCpp.html
It should be here in 3-4 days. I'll give you a short review when it arrives but my opinion might not be all that valuable since I've not been into vinyl for at least a dozen years. It was recommended to me by Jerome on another thread. Judging from the quality of his posts I'd say that he is VERY knowledgeable. http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=54712.0

-Roy

[TheChairGuy]

Hey Roy - quite cool.

I, too, have heard that it is a passably good phono pre-amp...replete with MM/MC, (fine) gain controls and it even has Hi/Lo  switch for MC 

http://www.vinylengine.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8436

It's 12 volts...so you can ditch the weak power supply that it comes with and use the power umbilical as a lead to a new regulated 12v (linear) power supply that you can find as cheap at $20 new or on ebay (for less).

Like this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Micronta-Regulated-12-Volt-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ230261320699QQihZ013QQcategoryZ48708QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have one it it rather remarkably improved my 12v CD/DVD player.

For under $100.00 for the TCC-760 and regulated power supply, you'll have a rather capable phono stage to creep back into vinyl.  Once you do that, RajaRoy - your CD's will be gathering dust 

John

[Derockster]

Hey John would a regulated power supply like that work with the Nad pp2??I know they sell a 1000ma power supply for the Nad but I'm thinking of using something different if possible.Regards derockster

[SET Man]

I am super jazzed to say my girlfriend got me a Rega P1 for my birthday! 

Hey!

    You are one lucky audiophile guy there

Take care,
Buddy

[rajacat]

John,
I'm gonna run the TCC-760 off cap reinforced  batteries. No AC grunge for me. I'll, for sure, have the most minimalist, micro priced vinyl rig around here. Free TT (Beogram RX) and $75.00 phono stage. I suppose this will match up OK with the Heathkit monoblocks which should be ready very soon.

-Roy

[doak]

I am super jazzed to say my girlfriend got me a Rega P1 for my birthday!  A nice entry level intro into vinyl so I can start spinnin so black disks.  No I need a cheap/decent phono stage.  I have been eying the Parasound Zphono does any one have experience with it?  I WILL be keeping this <$200 new or used.

I'd say "Major Points" for that Lady.
Bet She has plenty of other good qualities. 
Sounds like "keeper".   

[royphil345]

Hey John would a regulated power supply like that work with the Nad pp2??I know they sell a 1000ma power supply for the Nad but I'm thinking of using something different if possible.Regards derockster

From what i understand... Those regulated wall warts aren't that well regulated. The + or - specs to the target voltage are not usually impressive. You're probably better off going with a regular power supply that's oversized enough where voltage drop during peaks will be minimal. The voltage may not be absolutely correct, but it will be reasonably stabile which is probably more important. That's why the big, 1 amp, non-regulated power supply is commonly being sold as an upgrade.

[sts9fan]

So Goodwin's is totally trying to hook me (with good results).  They lent me a Musical Surroundings Phonomana II(sp) msrp $600.  The thing sounds real sweet.  This TT was a surprise and I have my audio budget focused elsewhere so I will not be buying it.  I think I am gonna go to Spearit tonight and grab the Cambridge. Honestly how can I buy a $600 phono stage when I currently own 3 LPs?       

[TheChairGuy]

Albums multiply quickly with a visit or three to some used record joints.....I lay down $50 and typically walk away with 12 or more.  It's a rather affordable indulgence because of 40 good years of used out there 

So, that $600 may well be amortized over more albums than you think right now.

I owned the Phenomena....it's very versatile and sounds just fine.

John