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Looking for phono preamp advice in the $1000 - $1600 range

I am thinking of upgrading my current Vincent PHO-701 hybrid phono stage to something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and still would make a meaningful improvement.

The chain I have now is Rega P8 with Hana SL LOMC cart, the Vincent phono stage, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium (tube) preamp, McIntosh MC312 (solid state) power amp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers.

My armchair research has identified e.g. the following phono stages in a reasonable $1000 - $1600 (depending on which and demo/used vs. new):

  • KTE LCR-1 MK5 / MK5S (hard to find)
  • MUSIC HALL Analogue A3 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
  • Sutherland Engineering Insight LPS
  • Sutherland TZ VIBE (with its intriguing transimpedance concept)
  • Project Phono Box RS2 MM/MC Phono
  • Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC (many positive reviews, with comments that it would benefit from an updated external power supply which, if so, would add additional $$)

Any recommendations or insights into these, or others in my price range, given my surrounding equipment would be greatly appreciated!

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g4mobile
10 posts
 

I’ve owned a lot of phono preamps including the Sutherland TZ Vibe, Hegel V10, Ray Samuels Emmeline XR-2, Vincent PHO-8 and 701. I’m currently using a Modwright PH 9.0XT.

The Modwright PH 9.0XT is the best I’ve ever used and no plans to upgrade any further. It’s end game for me. It’s also much higher than your price range.

The Ray Samuels XR-2 was great and around $1,200.00. I still own it and it is the new 2023 model with upgraded Sparkos SS3601 Op Amps. It was my favorite out of all the preamps I’ve owned until the Modwright. It has a separate power supply and well built.

I’d be willing to sell the XR-2 if you’re interested. Send me a PM.

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
81 posts
 

Check out the Darlington Labs MP8B. It will work with low output moving coils and has an upgraded power supply. I have the MP7 which sounds great with my moving magnet pickups. It seems to be customizable for any coil and setup you have. Of course you need good vision and some dexterity to adjust the dip switches

nlitworld
68 posts
 

For me, vinyl sounds much more alive with tubes than it does with transistors. I would highly recommend looking at the Don Sachs phono preamp. Adding an internal SUT for your cart would push just over budget but worth saving the extra couple $ for. These do pop up on the used market a bit as well.

Don Sachs Phono Preamp

 

Now, if you happen to be handy with a soldering iron and want to build a simple kit, the same basic design is sold through Tubes4HiFi at a small price of $800 as a kit, or $1150 assembled. No premium parts yet like the Don Sachs, but a fantastic starting point. Also have cost effective SUT available to go with.

Tubes4HiFi kit

 

I went the kit route, went over the top on a lot of parts and full DIY chassis, and I think I’m still just around the $2k mark. I did document a few things with some final photos and impressions on Audiocircle. Lloyd’s build thread So yeah, you can have a very good affordable unit that plays right up there with a Manley or Modwright any day, and you could tune your build parts however you see fit.

 

Hope you find something fun that keeps your toes tapping.

-Lloyd

toronto416
229 posts
 

What about Graham Slee phono step up?

 

mrmojo
33 posts
 

I'm very happy with the Parasound JC3 Jr. Robust power supply, well shielded internals, balanced outs, highly adjustable. Dead quiet background, great sound quality and dynamics in my system. 

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