need advice for budget preamp for Rega p3-24...


Seeking advice regarding a budget (under $400, really; used or new) phono preamp for the following basic set-up:
Rega p3-24 turntable
Linn Classik integrated amp or Cambridge Audio 650 amp
Vienna Acoustics speakers (have Mozart Grand, and Haydn Grand)
audioquest cables

for analog-time, I'm all about acoustic jazz, esp piano and drums, and also some 70s rock. Play at lower volume.

I'm looking at, I guess:
Rega fono mini
Rega fono (non-mini; next step up)
Bellari v 129-30
Cambridge Audio 540p or 640p
and what else, in this meager price range?

I'd LOVE to have a $1000 or $4000 phono preamp, but that is not in the budget whatsoever and as a teacher, I don't get bonuses. Basically I want smoothness, warmth, soundstage, and darkness (duh).
paanders

Showing 1 response by rdavwhitaker

You might consider the Parasound Zphono -- I bought on a lark, because it was inexpensive, and was surprisingly impressed -- so much so that I eventually bought its big brother, the JC-3, to serve as my primary phono stage.

Your comments indicate that you will probably be purchasing remotely. If so, the Zphono and the Cambridge Audo units are all available from Audio Advisor, which offers a thirty-day return policy, which would let you pick one and audition it in your own home.