[glrickaby]

I ordered one from Needle Doctor on a $99 closeout as Musical Fidelity is apparently
coming out with a new version. I just finished playing an old Turnabout recording of
the Bach Peasant and Wedding Contata which I picked up for 50 cents at a thrift store
and must say this V-LPS is somewhat a knockout when it comes to a preamp! The
low-midrange-highs were exceptional and considering the record label, this is quite
a statement! I currently have a Rotel 980BX and a Creek OBH18, not high end but
certainly not bad, and this V-LPS exceeds both in sound quality without question.
I see some of the reviews get into the power supply thing but honestly, with the
supplied wall wart, the V-LPS is really outstanding. I can remember other power
supplies like the VP129 and the Vincent PHO I sold and nothing really compares
to the V-LPS.  Is this thing really that good?

[neobop]

Is this thing really that good?

Hi GL,
You tell us. See what you think of it after listening to more of your favorite records. It certainly has some recommendations.

I'm pretty sure that a power supply will give it better bass and a more authoritative presentation.  It doesn't matter how other units with outboard supplies compare.
This supply works great on my budget DAC:
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-PS3KX-3-Amp-12-Volt-Supply/dp/B0002JTD2K/ref=pd_cp_e_1

I've been looking at inexpensive phono stages lately, not that I plan to buy one though. Seems that TAS recommended V-LPS for quite awhile. Let us know how it holds up after you've used it more.
neo

[glrickaby]

I picked up a $10 Garrard 60 MKII at a Garage sale here in the Desert. It plays well
on all functions but don't know the hours of the Pickering V-15 it came with which
sound great on the V-LPS with an old Pioneer SX3700 which has the analog and
digital scale both on the tuner. The 60 seems to like low compliance which is not
my strong suit in cartridges. I've tried some different units and finally settled
on an  AT95HE which is somewhat lower compliance and am enjoying a rather
strong Low/Mid/High on my old Mirage speakers, playing a Smithsonian Album
of  Handel's works which I picked up for $2 at a church rummage sale (haven't)
counted the number of records in the book type sleeve yet) and must say that
either my choice in hardware is impeccable or this V-LPS seems to put out
extraordinary sound, regardless of the equipment used. I suspect the latter
case, unless the 98 degree desert air is affecting my hearing somewhat!
Guess maybe the pre-amp choice does affect the final output after all.
Won't say the AT95HE (stylus from LP Gear), is a Virtuoso, but will
respectfully suggest the V-LPS seems to bring out the best of most
any cartridge played with this pre-amp!Didn't mean to start another
thread about the AT95- just happened to be in my box that I brought
down to the desert for the unexpected finds when the old folks pass
on to the Audition room in the sky and their earthly goods are laid
out for us survivors to purview! Don't know how many $98 V-LPS'
are out there but you might want to consider one if you're in the
market for a preamp. Think it would take a $1000 to equal!

[glrickaby]

As a PS, just added a Pyramid PS-3KX power supply. The bass is extended, detail more etched,
and background is totally silent! An improvement on what is already a very good preamp!The
power supply is available at Amazon, shown with the V-LPS.

[e.man]

BTW it's a Phono Stage not a pre-amp.

I got one cheapish from the UK to go with my Aussie 240Volt mains.
Using the MM input although it extended the range I thought it sounded 'hard' and 'brittle'.
As soon as I got an Ortofon MC and went with the MC circuit it sounded much smoother and easier to listen to.  Very good actually.  I tried a Denon 103S but it doesn't suit the 'loading' or something. 
I have a run-out V-PSU power supply on the way to go with it. 

[neobop]

Seems that Amazon still has a few at $99. It might come from Audio Advisor. Needle Dr is selling the MKII now. It's $189. Here's what they say about improvements:
MKII Upgrades:
•Circuit layout improved, refined power supply regulation
•Improved RIAA circuit
•Re-designed discrete front end
•Much improved distortion and noise ratio measurements
 The specs seemed to be the same or maybe improved slightly, I'm not entirely sure. You can check it out for yourselves.

GL, That's one of the great things about the 95. The low cu (6.5 @100) works great on med/heavy arms like so many vintage ones. Your 7V is close at 7cu. Its body is a little heavier though. Bet the 95 would sound good on your ULM arm with a 92E stylus.

e.man, See what happens when you get the power supply. It might help with that MM glare. Maybe it just needs some time or different cables. Could the output of the 103S be too low? I'm not familiar with that model.

[e.man]

e.man, See what happens when you get the power supply. It might help with that MM glare. Maybe it just needs some time or different cables. Could the output of the 103S be too low? I'm not familiar with that model.

Got the V-PSU in.  Yep, it does what it says on the box.  M-O-R-E all the way 'round.  That's in MC mode.  Last time I plugged in to the MM there was a new buzz I couldn't be bothered with so no comments there.
Yes the Dennon 103S is a bit obscure.  It does have a lower output.