2. amps-preamps
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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
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
3,404 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...
jfh
13 posts
 
I've got the EAR 834P and it is fantastic. Upgrade the tubes and wow! I found mine very reasonably on e-bay.
twl
3,251 posts
 
From the research I have been able to do, it seems as if the phono sections in many used preamps are superior the the current outboard mid-priced variety. The used MFA Magus, early Audible Illusions, Counterpoint, and Audio Research preamps all offer high quality tube phono sections at similar prices or cheaper than the standalone units above. You also get the flexibility to have several inputs for easy switching of sources. All the brands I listed above are currently on the Audiogon classified sites for under $700. IMHO they are all better phono sections than any of the mid-priced new outboard boxes. Some are suitable only for MM or high output MC carts however.
avideo
222 posts
 
I want to add one more vote for the Monolithic Sound PS-1.
I'm in situation similar to yours - have well above 200
vinyl albums in better than average condition - but did not
have a decent turntable or preamp for transfers to CD.
I recently got a very good deal on a demo Musci Hall MMF-5
turntable; and bought the Monolithic PS-1 to use for my
preamp. So far I really like the combination.
The nice thing about the PS-1, of course, is that it can
be easily set up to use with just about any type of phono
cartridge - MM or MC.
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