In search of a new phono pre-amp...

mix4fix · « **on:** 29 May 2011, 09:43 pm »

Looking for a better phono preamp; any suggestions on a solid state one that is not a battery one?

dlaloum · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 May 2011, 05:49 pm »

budget?

Phil A · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 May 2011, 06:45 pm »

Tons of stuff out there depending on your budget - i.e.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1311541942&/PS-Audio-GCPH--used

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preaphon&1309819682&/Grado-PH-1

wywires · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 May 2011, 07:16 pm »

I've been beta testing a new phono pre from a new venture in Southern CA called Zesto Audio. The two principals, George and Carolyn are very nice folks and George spent 30+ years as a recording engineer. Their phono stage is the best that I have personally experienced and it's better, IMO than the built in phono stage in my EAR 868, which is no slouch. The Zesto has MM and MC inputs with load and gain adjustments and multiple grounding options. Uses 4 ECC83 tubes. Very nice industrial design and is a full size chassis.

Very resolving and dynamic with really great soundstage capabilities. The catch: $3,900 MSRP. But given the performance, it's fairly priced compared to many others. www.zestoaudio.com

lazydays · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 May 2011, 05:51 pm »

Quote from: wywires on 30 May 2011, 07:16 pm

I've been beta testing a new phono pre from a new venture in Southern CA called Zesto Audio. The two principals, George and Carolyn are very nice folks and George spent 30+ years as a recording engineer. Their phono stage is the best that I have personally experienced and it's better, IMO than the built in phono stage in my EAR 868, which is no slouch. The Zesto has MM and MC inputs with load and gain adjustments and multiple grounding options. Uses 4 ECC83 tubes. Very nice industrial design and is a full size chassis.

Very resolving and dynamic with really great soundstage capabilities. The catch: $3,900 MSRP. But given the performance, it's fairly priced compared to many others. www.zestoaudio.com

The battery preamp should be a plus.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 May 2011, 06:02 pm »

Budget is everything. Being told XYZ is the 'best' and your budget is $700, but the XYZ costs $12,000. does not do much for you.

Tone Depth · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 May 2011, 06:17 pm »

This is a very good solid state phono preamp deal: http://avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=179&Itemid=237&74a0ad6b5f7a1df0ef4ab98b8fffbb41=b723a4b9373d1fbfda12a05ee486fc11

An even better deal may be to get a used AVA preamp, including the solid state phono board: http://avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=176

Minn Mark · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 May 2011, 07:47 pm »

+1

on the AVA gear posted by Tone Depth, definitely.

I'm using an AVA Insight pre-amp with the phono stage and its great; the Insight+ can only be better.

Mark

Minn Mark · « **Reply #8 on:** 31 May 2011, 08:20 pm »

+2

for the AVA phono stage

And better yet, I have it on good authority that AVA can supply a fully assembled and tested Insight+ RIAA Phono stereo preamplifier board for $199.00.The user would simply have to supply his own box, input and output jacks, and + and - 15V power supplies. The major cost of the AVA complete phono preamp is all the "support structure" - - chassis, power supply, hardware, etc. A good do-it-yourselfer could do this without help. Think about it...

Best,

Minn Mark

Listens2tubes · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jun 2011, 01:14 am »

+3

For the AVA Insight phono stage.

My AVA T8+ has the Insight phono stage and IT ROCKS

That board for $199 gives me an idea. (evil laugh)

dlaloum · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Jun 2011, 01:16 am »

My shortlist (in no particular order):

Firestone Audio Korora (with battery!)
PSAudio GCPH
Lehmann Black Cube
JLTI Phono
Musical Surrounds Phonomena

A reasonable range of prices are covered there, and all of these have adjustable loading - and do both MM and MC gain levels - Also each of these has a good reputation.

I ended up with the JLTI Phono stage, which makes me coffee in the morning, toasts my bread perfectly and sometimes even gets to reproduce an LP.... (very happy with it!)

mix4fix · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Jun 2011, 10:08 pm »

Bump...

LM · « **Reply #12 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 12:38 am »

Still no budget and not even sure if you want MM, MC or both?

Nevertheless, I can pass on my experience for what its worth. Last year I replaced a CA640P phono stage with an A.N.T Kora 3T MM SE. I’m running MM and HOMC cartridges on a modified Technics 1210 arm so I didn’t need an MC option. They do have a separate MC model though and two two build levels for each; the SE and a higher spec LTD but at a greater price.

Bottom line is that I'm extremely happy as I had to buy it blind on recommendation only. Also, I've had no experience with some of the other excellent phono stages recommended so this is only a comment based on my rather limited experience. However the Kora has proven sweet and musical and was an excellent upgrade from the 640P which was certainly quite OK and good value for money. Apparently it's a FET topology and no opamps and it sounds far sweeter and more valve like than the 640P. Even my basic SE version is very detailed, rhythmical, smooth and above all, I would characterise it as natural - no sharpness or edginess. Imaging is excellent and the sound stage wide and deep.

TONEPUB · « **Reply #13 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 01:03 am »

If budget is not an issue, I suggest the ARC REF 2 phono. It's my fav.

jimdgoulding · « **Reply #14 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 01:41 am »

I gather you are using a line stage. What is the output of the cartridge you plan to use?

kg4big · « **Reply #15 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 01:46 am »

For MM and cheap for what you get it's an easy decision for me anyway...... Conrad Johnson PF-1

You get a really nice Preamp with a fantastic MM Stage for around $400.00 +- used.

Tape out if only Phono pre needed/wanted but the Preamp may be "good enough"

TONEPUB · « **Reply #16 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 02:06 am »

Audible Illusions Mod 2D is also nice for about 4-500...

bside123 · « **Reply #17 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 02:16 am »

Trying to recommend any piece of equipment, particularly a phono preamp, without more information is kind of like playing "Pin the Tail on the Donkey." Tie on the blindfold, spin around and hope you can hit the target...

2gumby2 · « **Reply #18 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 12:25 pm »

Bel Canto is very nice. I never knew how good my vinyl collection could sound.

http://www.belcantodesign.com/Product_PHONO3VB.html

kevinh · « **Reply #19 on:** 19 Jun 2011, 01:29 pm »

If you are comfortable with kits the following are very good:

http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/aiphpcb.html
I would suggest a xformer step up for MC cart, se link below

This one you can get assembled:

http://www.kandkaudio.com/phonostage.html