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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
smrex13
645 posts
 
Since you’re using MM carts, you want to have a low capacitance - maximum 100 pF on the phono stage. This rules out all Sutherlands, I believe, as well as a number of others. The Simaudio you mention is sounds great and has adjustable capacitance below 100 pF, so that would be an excellent choice.. The Mani has has a capacitance of 100pF, so it’s a good fit as well.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,000 posts
 
Make sure you get a demo/audition.  I brought in the Moon 110LP v2  and compared it to my internal preamp stage and it was not worth the spend. I was going to have to move up the line to get improvement.
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I have had the Rega Fono and Schiit Mani in my system. Hands down, the Schiit Mani. I still have it as a spare, as I have upgraded.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,636 posts
 
+1 on the Puffin. It will make any cart sing.
birdfan's avatar
birdfan
175 posts
 
I have both the Schiit mentioned above. Tons and f settings to accommodate any cart.. and cheap. I also have a Lounge Audio LCR and have been very pleased with it
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