[Indiansprings]

I would like to get some input from you guys. I need a tube Phono/Linestage preamp. Budget of 1K. I would like to stay lower than that, by a bunch if possible. Used is probably the obvious way to go with this budget. I listen to both Vinyl and CD. I have a Denon 103R moving coil cartridge.
Here is the rest of my gear.

VTL MB-125 monoblocks
Technics SL-Q3 turntable
Denon 103R mc cartridge
Von Schweikert VR-2 speakers

EDIT TO ADD:
I guess I should be asking this.
What would be a great Preamp setup for the VTL amps? Keeping in mind that I would need something to play the Denon 103R as well as CD's.

[TONEPUB]

I doubt you will find a used tube preamp at that price with a decent MC preamp.

However used SS is another story.

[vinyl_guy]

I doubt you will find a used tube preamp at that price with a decent MC preamp.

That's what I was thinking. Probably closer to $2k, but I could be wrong.

[Indiansprings]

Maybe I could use a step up transformer like the Bob"s Devices Cinemag. Would that change things?
This one
http://www.bobsdevices.com/cinemag.htm

[etcarroll]

I just got an EAR 834P, you see the non-deluxe model on agon used for under a grand from time to time. It has built in transformers for LOMC cartridges.

Then get an inexpensive SS linestage for everything else.

[SlushPuppy]

There's a couple Counterpoint preamps (with phono) on Audiogon for well under $1000. One was only $500.

[Will2]

Not sure if you would be interested but a used Audible Illusions 3A would fit into your budget.  You can read about it here http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Preamplifiers.html .  Some pretty good comments in the user section of AudiogoN too.  If you find it interesting, let me know, I have one.

[SlushPuppy]

You could get a brand new Rogue Audio Metis Preamplifier for $1100. On your high end, but not stupid high.

http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_Titan.htm

[Miney]

If you'd be willing to split the baby...  new, skinny, has remote, will handle the Denon...

Jolida JD-5T tube preamp $350 msrp + Jolida JD9 tube phono $450 msrp

[bastlnut]

hallo,

1k for an MC valve phono stage is a nice thought, but as mentioned above a bit unrealistic.
the budget offerings from China are still just budget, which maybe ok with you.
the best bet is to get a good valve phono stage that is only MM and use a step up or a transformer.
step ups and transformers (somewhat) can be had inexpensively when buying used.
this also adds flexibility to your set up and can be upgraded without a big fuss.

regards,
bas

[neobop]

It does seem like a tall order. Maybe you could get a decent used line stage or preamp with a MM stage and make do with a budget step up or even a TCC until you could upgrade. Some guy in the Asylum was talking about CineMags for around $100. Maybe that's a DIY version, I never found out exactly.
Maybe something like this would do the trick. I don't really have any experience with it.
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1304459781&/Quicksilver-MK2
You might be able to get it for less. They had a good reputation.
neo

[BaMorin]

I would like to get some input from you guys. I need a tube Phono/Linestage preamp. Budget of 1K. I would like to stay lower than that, by a bunch if possible. Used is probably the obvious way to go with this budget. I listen to both Vinyl and CD. I have a Denon 103R moving coil cartridge.
Here is the rest of my gear.

VTL MB-125 monoblocks
Technics SL-Q3 turntable
Denon 103R mc cartridge
Von Schweikert VR-2 speakers

Just a quick question.............why does it have to be a tube phono/linestage?

[Indiansprings]

First,I do not really know much about tube gear. I had been told that a SS per wouldnt work well because of an inpeadance mis-match with the Tube Amps.
I trust and value your guys opinions.
I am really just after great sounding audio on a poor mans budget.
I guess I should be asking this.
What would be a great Preamp setup for the VTL amps? Keeping in mind that I would need something to play the Denon 103R as well as CD's.

[Ericus Rex]

If you buy new, then the above mentioned Rogue Metis is probably your best bet.  The MM phono section in it is solid state though, and while it sounds quite good, esp. for the price it doesn't quite keep up with its linestage section.  It does have remote though!!

I've owned a Counterpoint SA-3.1 and 5.1.  The 5.1 I had for 10 years.  They are great pres and selling for not a lot of money but I actually sold the 5.1 after hearing the Metis.  Bought a Rogue 99 and haven't regretted it at all.  Occasionally, you can find 99s with phono for a little over $1K.  Those are great sounding pres with very good phono stages...and remote!!

I haven't heard that particular Quicksilver pre model but have heard their linestage as well as owned 3 different amp models of theirs.  All around it's good stuff!

[neobop]

First,I do not really know much about tube gear. I had been told that a SS per wouldnt work well because of an inpeadance mis-match with the Tube Amps.
I trust and value your guys opinions.
I am really just after great sounding audio on a poor mans budget.
I guess I should be asking this.
What would be a great Preamp setup for the VTL amps? Keeping in mind that I would need something to play the Denon 103R as well as CD's.

The notion of impedance mismatch is BS. Your VTLs have an input impedance of 145 Kohms. Any 1/2 decent preamp will work. But finding the right or best sounding combo, is another question.
I saw that Quicksilver listed and it got my attention because it has MC capability. I think the piece is old and you might be able to get it for less. Maybe a Rogue would be better, I don't know. I'm sure that there are many transistor preamps that would match up well, and to your liking. Perhaps you should investigate that possibility with other VTL amp owners.

With budgetary considerations, it might be easier to find a preamp that meets your requirements if you mix and match. I recently tried a Vincent SA-31 hybrid line stage ($600). It didn't work out with either of my amps (1-tube, 1-SS), although it's nice and probably sounds great with Vincent amps. Finding the right combo is the key, IMO. 
neo

[BaMorin]

First,I do not really know much about tube gear. I had been told that a SS per wouldnt work well because of an inpeadance mis-match with the Tube Amps.
I trust and value your guys opinions.
I am really just after great sounding audio on a poor mans budget.
I guess I should be asking this.
What would be a great Preamp setup for the VTL amps? Keeping in mind that I would need something to play the Denon 103R as well as CD's.

David Hadaway has a used DB-1B preamp listed on his site. He could probably swap out the "MM" phono stage to a high gain stage.

DBsystemsaudio.com

[Indiansprings]

I saw a rogue 66 lsr on Audiogon. Missing the remote $550. What's the opnion on it?

[bastlnut]

hallo,

you will only know once you try it.
it has a good rep, but that means squat.
go to a dealer and take some preamps home to try.
you may spend a little more, but there will be no mistakes and you having to sell again for a loss....time or money.
the 103 series does better with a step up or tranny, for that reason alone i would look for a pre with an MM stage.
you never try, you never know.

regards,
bas

[Indiansprings]

Anyone know the Blue Book value of the VTL 2.5? One just popped up on Agon.

[Ericus Rex]

I saw a rogue 66 lsr on Audiogon. Missing the remote $550. What's the opnion on it?

I have personally never heard the 66 but I have heard rumor that it is quite good.  That's also a good price.  If you didn't like it you could easily flip it and get all your money back.  The Metis and 99 are 6SN7 based and so they sound quite different from the 12AT7 (or is it AU?) 66.