2. amps-preamps
  3. 169242-158874

Budget Phono preAmp

Hi All,

I am trying to make a small upgrade to my current system - for which Vinyl will be the most used source. My thinking is an affordable Phono PreAmp - but I’m trying to decide which one. I’m currently looking at either:
  • Rega Fono MM MK3
  • Moon 110LP v2
My current system is:
  • Dynaudio Special 40s
  • 30 year old Linn Axis Turntable with new Addikt MM cartridge
  • Marantz sr5014 A/V receiver
So right now it is all Moving Magnet and no need for Coil. Eventually the Linn will need to be replaced, and probably a later cartridge upgrade too, but by then I’ll have upgraded the receiver situation to either a nice integrated option or separates. Right now its most bang for the buck with a limited investment.

All thoughts warmly appreciated!
terracebk21
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,912 posts
 
if you don’t know where you are going ( destination vs. incrementalism ), any road will get you there.

Without a doubt, the Mani represents incredible sonic value for $. as an aside, i believe all audiophiles should read the Schitt Book - Schitt Happened.

Aim higher as I believe your TT is capable of a lot, and speakers 2.

The Southerland as mentioned above certainly represents good value.

Jim
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
I agree Jim, and in that price range, would also consider the Soundsmith MMP3 @ $600.
terracebk21 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks Jim for your comments.

The road for me is to build slowly on a limited budget.  My speakers - at least for my current horizon are my destination.  The Linn I will ride as long as she lasts - It was great to inherit it from my parents along with a modest vinyl collection.  So I'll stick with Vinyl as a preferred format even into the future...because I like it! 

All that said - it sounds like the Southerland offers the kind of bang for the buck I'm after.  It isn't important to me that it be flexible for the future - just offer a sort of new found joy in my current setup.

It seems there isn't much love so far for the 2 rigs I listed - the Rega and Moon - surprising as I had read so much about both.  I've read a good deal about the Schitt Mani as well - but is it that it really offers the same sonics at about a 1/4 the cost?  If so, then I'll also consider it, but my budget is closer to the 500 dollar range (the Southerland is just over that cusp which is where I always end up when making these choices!)

Thanks again all!
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,698 posts
 
That Sutherland says make offer so it is not carved in stone at the asking price! If you want it you should make an offer and see what happens!
big_greg
6,639 posts
 
For $500, the Parks Puffin is a no-brainer.  Lots of flexibility and customization available and Shannon Parks continues to make improvements through firmware upgrades (like click removal!).

Yes, it's "digital", yes, it's not the most refined phono stage, but at it's price point I think it's hard to beat.  It can handle any type of cartridge as far as gain goes.  

Another option in that price range (used - if you can find one) is a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena.  Lots of gain and loading options and the option to operate on battery power is nice.
More to discover