2. amps-preamps
  3. 1021465460

Phono Amp Recommendations

I have a turntable and about 450 LPs, all in mint or near mint condition, that I have not listen too for over 15 years. While my wife has been very patient about the dust collectors, it has pretty much come to the point where I either listen to them or put them on eBay. So I thought I’d give them one more spin before I decide. However, I don’t know much about phono amps, so I would appreciate some recommendations for a good SS phono amp that handles both MM and MC cartridges (I’m not looking for a do-it-all preamp). I'm not opposed to buying a unit from the re-sell market either.
deana
tagyerit
73 posts
 
what is your budget? what kind of turntable will it be working with? cart? preamp?
ammonsd
1 posts
 
I'm told the Lehmann Black Cube really needs the expense power supply upgrade to shine. True?

Gregm - Are you referring the the Linn pre-amp or do they also have a phono amp?
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
I have had a Lehmann Audio Black Cube SE (the version with the much larger power supply) and can recommend it without hesitation -- particularly at its price range. You can buy a used standard Black Cube for around $400, and send it to Leo Massi at HyendAudio and get it upgraded for $275 -- an upgrade that I found to be worth every cent. IMO, the larger power supply transformed a good phono stage amp into an excellent one.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I did not get the power supply upgrade for my Black Cube and would certainly defer to sdcampbell's experience in this matter with regard to improved performance. However, the Cube I used sounded terrific in its original configuration. If you DO get a Black Cube without the upgrade, I would suggest a careful listen before spending the extra. The person to whom I sold the Cube (here on the "Gon) was well pleased, as well. Of course, this depends on your budget and other equipment "in the chain".
deana OP
3 posts
 
I did some online research after all the recommendations for the Lehmann Black Cube. Seems to be a very popular choice in the under $1000 club and a very safe choice for me. Thanks for all the quick feedback.
More to discover