[dkd7]

I have just acquired a SL1200 MK5 and was lookng at the Denon DL103R. My receiver isn't sensitive enough for the LOMC variants (Denon AVR-3300) so what would be a decent preamp or "booster" to use this cartridge?

Looking to stay under $300 but not set in stone.

[jtsnead]

Look for a used Jasmine might be able to get one around $400 - $500

Just got a SL1210 myself.

[Berndt]

You might consider step up transformers.

[DaveyW]

Hi dkd - For that sort of money I'd recommend consideration of the Pro-ject SE II.
I compared a few mid spec Phono stages inc. the DV P75 and Trichord Dino, and preferred this.
Am running a Denon DL-S1 with it at the moment and remain very pleased.
Happy hunting,
Dave

[pumpkinman]

There is a Vincent for sale right here on AC. I've never heard this unit but it falls in your price range


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96983.0

https://audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VIPHO8

[sebrof]

I have just acquired a SL1200 MK5 and was lookng at the Denon DL103R. My receiver isn't sensitive enough for the LOMC variants (Denon AVR-3300) so what would be a decent preamp or "booster" to use this cartridge?

Looking to stay under $300 but not set in stone.

I recently bought a Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova, used $600. The Nova is the battery powered version. The non-Nova does not have the batteries and usually sells for ~ $300 or so used I believe.
I use the Nova with a 103r and it works great. It has dip switches for Capacitance (secondary concern for MC carts), Resistance loading (very important, makes a huge difference with LOMCs) and gain up to 62 db which is what I have mine set to. I run a 4-watt SET amp so I don't have power to spare, and the 62 db is enough gain.
My understanding is that the Nova and non-Nova are very similar except for the batteries.
Made in California if that matters to you.
Hope this helps.

[dkd7]

Another option is a HOMC cart but I feel if I were going to dive into this the 103 is the ticket.

I cannot answer any PM's yet as of my newbie status. I will check out the preamps that were listed....thanks.

[pumpkinman]

PM sent

[AudioSoul]

I have just acquired a SL1200 MK5 and was lookng at the Denon DL103R. My receiver isn't sensitive enough for the LOMC variants (Denon AVR-3300) so what would be a decent preamp or "booster" to use this cartridge?

Looking to stay under $300 but not set in stone.

Does the AVR-3300 even have a phono section? I thought it was a home theater reciever......

[dkd7]

Does the AVR-3300 even have a phono section? I thought it was a home theater reciever......

Yes it does, however the sensitivity is 2.5mV. Here are the specs:

Input sensitivity:
2.5 mV

RIAA deviation:
±1 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Signal-to-noise ratio:
74 dB (A weighting, with 5 mV input)

Rated output / Maximum output:
150 mV / 8 V

Distortion factor:
0.03% (1 kHz, 3 V)

[BaMorin]

I have just acquired a SL1200 MK5 and was lookng at the Denon DL103R. My receiver isn't sensitive enough for the LOMC variants (Denon AVR-3300) so what would be a decent preamp or "booster" to use this cartridge?

Looking to stay under $300 but not set in stone.

DB Systems DB-8HG........less than the budget numbers you gave.........very impressive specs

[dlaloum]

I'd take a look at the Firestone Audio Korora....

Battery powered, very flexible in terms of loading - and compares well to phono stages at substantially higher $...

It was on my short list....

[Scottdazzle]

You might find a used Jolida JD-9. There's often one on Audiogon.

[dkd7]

So if I could make a list of what we have mentioned....how would a Yamaha CX-2 compare?

Not a complete list but all listed seem to be a serious consideration....just trying to eliminate any vintage possibilities....or not.


DB Systems DB-8HG
Firestone Audio Korora
Jolida JD-9
Musical Surroundings Phonomena II
Vincent PHO-8
Cinemag 2330A is on my list also.

[putz]

Check this out as well:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=69793.0

[dkd7]

I believe I have the CX-2 confused with the C2-X.....the C2-X being the more desireable I assume?

[BobM]

Get a Hagerman Piccolo. Build it yourself and have some fun in the process.

[dkd7]

Wanted to update to say I found a Yamaha CX-1000 for a great price and is in excellent condition.

I hooked it up tonight and was blown away. Absolutely night and day compared to the 3300...at least using a MC cart, but I think it will be that way across the board whichever cart I use.