[kgturner]

So I'm giving semi-serious consideration to trying vinyl out. My system is setup for digital obviously, so I know I'm going to need a phono pre, table, arm, cart, and some vinyl. I've got a few LPs and for now I'm leaning towards a used Rega or MMF 5.1 turntable, but I need a few recommendations for a phono pre at $500.00 or less. I'm open to purchasing used to stretch my dollars to performance ratio. I'm also open to both tubed and SS phono preamps. So, with that in mind, let'r rip.

Kevin T

[WGH]

So I'm giving semi-serious consideration to trying vinyl out.

A pre-amp choice for your totally serious consideration would be the Hagerman Cornet2.

The dollar to performance ratio is off the charts and your Von Schweikerts would absolutely love the tight tuneful bass, the clear smooth highs along with a glorious midrange that tube pre-amps do so well. The pre-amp is completely silent, can be fine tuned by using different tubes and be built for about $500. Yes it is a DIY project so you would have to be totally nuts and serious about vinyl to build one but the sound would be worth it.

tubesforever compared his upgraded Cornet2 to some well respected brands and it competed very well
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=58941.msg523190#msg523190

I didn't go quite as extreme building mine but I am more than satisfied with the sound I get through my Von Schweikert VR2's.

Wayne

[ecramer]

you should consider  the Rogue Stealth MC & MM phono very nice well built unit sounds great used price is in your budget

ED

[orthobiz]

I picked up a Primare R20 off Audiogon for 350 shipped. Sounds great, built like a tank, has external switchable MM/MC and rotary dial impedance.

For intro, I'd definitely go used.

Paul

[JimJ]

Bottlehead Seduction?

Should be able to find them cheap, now that the Eros is coming out

[WGH]

Bottlehead Seduction?

Should be able to find them cheap, now that the Eros is coming out

The Seduction may not be the best choice for a system that is set up for digital, the resulting sound would be a bit too laid back.

I had a Seduction with the C4S and Auricap upgrade. Different tubes slightly changed the sound but the highs always sounded rolled off and the bass lightweight compared to digital. After a year I was listening to vinyl less and less.

The Cornet2 has the highs and lows the Bottlehead was missing and vinyl is equal to or better than digital in sound quality and dynamic range.

Wayne

[Lifer]

A Jolida 9a would be a treat.  And it is widely hot-rodded so you have a built-in upgrade path.

[Stu Pitt]

The Simaudio LP3 sounds excellent to my ears.  Very well made and versatile in cartridge options.  They go for about $500 new and about $350 or so on Agon.  Sim has a 10 year warantee and it may be transferable.  If interested, consult with Simaudio regarding warantee.

You should also be able to find a Dynavector P75 on Agon in your range.  Its one of my favorites.

[lonewolfny42]

Did you see this sale listing by Brad......???

[Scott F.]

Did you see this sale listing by Brad......???

That is a nice little phonostage especially with the upgraded PSU-1. A person could do far worse.

[JoshK]

What really striking about this thread is the fact that there are so many good choices.

[Dan Kolton]

Check out DB Systems.  There are two available.  The most expensive should fit your budjet, and the less expensive ($165) is also quite good.

[AudioSoul]

   I second the Jolida JD9 rec. you can find them used for under $500. It can be used with MM & MC carts. and if you get more serious about vinyl you can have it modded. They are very popular so if you decide vinyl is not for you you can
resell it an get your money back........

[woodsyi]

Have you seen the phono preamp development threads on Vista Audio?
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=66278.0

It's my understanding that this product will be well under $500.  I even volunteered to Beta Test the MC version if he needs one. 

[sanlanman]

One option to look into is the Phonomena II phono preamp by Musical Surroundings. It is highly flexible. I am looking for somewhere I can audition it, but it has gotten a couple of favorable write ups in the audio press FWIW.

Google it for more details and dealer options.

[TerryO]

Try the Hagerman "Bugle" which is very good and goes for a bargin basement price. With the money you save, you can get a really decent cartridge (or a great big stack of LPs). But don't be fooled, there are better ones out there, unfortunately they can cost 10 to 100 times more. Build the battery powered version for really low noise and I doubt you'll be sorry.

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Bemopti123]

An oldie but really goodie and extremely frexible, the Forte Model 2, which fortunately I own and snagged off from Audiogon before they became extremely difficult to find as of late. 

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rprea&1029987465&read&3&4&

It is a real find.  I got mine for about $350 3 years ago and the prices NEVER go down, actually they are heading up.