Need an Entry Level Phono Preamp


Well, it's been 22 years and I'd like to go back and spin some vinyl. I'm considering a Cambridge 640P and a Rega Fono for a Shure V-15 VMR on either an old Dual CS5000 or Thorens TD160. I was ready to buy the Bellari but the 60Hz hum problem I heard about here on A'gon scared me away. I just want to listen to my old records, not troubleshoot ground loops. Also considered tubes from an AES PH-1 and the new Pro-Ject Tube Box II. OK, let's through in the Jolida JD-9A for kicks. That's a price range from $169 to about $550 which is fine. Line Pre is a Bryston BP-25.

I welcome your comments and recommendations. Oh, I listen primarily to classical music. Someone has to keep it alive!

Thanks!
av2k
I am listening to a Jolida JD 9 with level 1 mods from Underwood HIFI which is suprisingly good for the money. I would look in that direction
Lehmann Black cube with PWX supply should work for you well within that price range.
I think in this price range it is best to look for an inboard phono. I know that Bryston has an inboard for the BP-26, you may want to check with them to see if they have one for the BP-25. You get better phono 'innards' as you're not paying for an additional chassis, interconnects, power cords, connectors, etc.

That's just my $.02

John
The Jolida has so many options that you can run through a number of MM/HOMC/MOMC/LOMC cartridges and not be limited by that pre. It will accommodate them all BUT if it's just for that one MM then the 640P will do real nice.

I had the 540P and it was a very good starter phono pre. I moved on to a Hagerman Bugle but if I bought that 640P (which wasn't out at the time) I would still be listening that that. I bet I would've been happy with that inexpensive pre for sometime.
I'd go for the Cary. Of course it all depends on what flavor of ice cream you like. And why not a Rega instead of the Thorens or Dual? The P1 is very cheap and a great value.