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
If you can solder, the Hagerman Cornet kit is an exceptional value. When I got back into vinyl, this is the unit that got me listening to classical on vinyl rather then CD.
Av2k, Bryston does have a phono card for the BP-25 as witnessed in this ad. Since people are selling used BP-25's w/ phono, you know Bryston makes them. Give them a call.
About the AES PH-1. Like any other electronics it has its strenghts and short-comings. Which ever you end up with will depend solely on what you are willing to compromise.
The ph-1 is a solid performer considering what it can deliver with its price/performance ratio. Audio Asylum has a lot of discussions with mixed reviews (IMHO).(From my experience) It will give you prat and the musicality of tubes . Have the flexibility to tailor the sound by tube-rolling.
One minor (for me)thing worth mentioning (from my expereince and forums)is a slight HUM at high volume (85% volume setting and above). This hum can also vary depending on which MM cartridge use and how good the unit is built and placed. I've read varying reviews/coments from being very quiet to audible hum at listening levels.

If you decide to try the PH-1 may I suggest to get a factory-built unit with the upgrades (and a 30 day return policy if possible). I believe Upscale Audio still sells them at $599.00 (last time I checked). But if you check the AES/Cary website the price is bumped-up to $900.

I've had mine since 2002 and very happy with it. I can only compare it with SS phono preamps (Luxman Tp117 and 1 unknown brand I still use for sanity check :^)
The Ph-1 has that nice bloom at the mids. I use an LP12TT/grado gold cart. Try to use a MM cartridge with at least 5 mv output as the PH-1 has a gain of only 36dB. A 6.5mv output MM cartridge would be the ideal match for this Phono preamp.
For more info on cartridge/phono preamp matching visit "KAB" website.
Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.
I've heard from reliable sources that the Heed Quasar is one of the best phono preamps for the money. It is compared to stages 2-3 times the price and retails for 1000 USD.

Andrew
I heard back from Bryston about a phono stage for the BP25. They do the mod at the factory for $600 plus shipping costs. That seems fair but I just had my BP25 serviced and tested in July. It's perfect. I'd rather not part with it at this point. So I'm back to an outboard phono stage.

But I did some homework and I find that I need 47 kOhms impedance input with a 100pF capacitive load for my Shure V-15 VMR. Gain should be at least 39dB. So now it comes down to the sound.

The new Pro-ject Tube Box MKII looks interesting with two 12AX7A output tubes. Gain stage is probably op amps. On the cheap, the Parasound zPhono meets the requirement. Class C rated and all that. Rega Fono MM and the Cambridge 640P are options too.

Let's see....what else is out there? Do any of the above stand out as a decent phono stage for an old Thorens table with the Shure cartridge. I also have a high output MC Adcom Cross Coil hiding somewhere too.

Or, I save a little more and go for the Dynavector?