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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
nalu
22 posts
 
I'm still using my old preamps phono section (PS Audio 5.6), but the Phonomena comes highly recommended from one of the biggest analog-philes I know.
phild
603 posts
 
Hi Deana,

If you're interested in the Black Cube, I recommend buying it used and saving yourself $300-$400. You can probably find one of the original versions for $350-ish (they are often listed on this site). They're very basic inside and there isn't much that can be damaged. It's not much of a risk if you can find a respectable seller with good feedback. You can always sell it for what you paid if you discover that vinyl isn't for you. And I agree with 4yanx...they sound quite good "as is"...you can always upgrade later if you fall in love with vinyl. Good luck.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
1,934 posts
 
An interesting observation is that the vinyl asylum seems to prefer the monolithic to the black cube. I have no experience with either but was ready to go with the Monolithic till I read this thread. I guess I'll toss a coin since I have nowhere to audition either.
deana OP
3 posts
 
Has anyone tried the new Grado phono amp yet? I don't know if it is even available yet. I just happen to see a new posting on their web site.
gregm
3,405 posts
 
Deana & Artemus: Marakanetz makes interesting suggestions above -- I too put the Trichord well above the cube (i don't know the monolithic that well). Buy used if possible, the only problem being the European 230V transformers...
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