2. amps-preamps
  3. 158096-139475

phono/preamp analog front end

I have a great, older  analog system...Oracle/Graham 1.5t Ceramic/Ortofon A95/Classe DR-6(modified/refurbished)/Threshold 4000 (modified)/Von Schweikert VR4.5 Silver with all nice power cords/interconnects.....considering upgrading preamp...used vs  new, looking to spend about $5K....could stick with SS, get used Pass Labs XP-15/X2.5 for <$5k....never ventured into tubes.....no convenient stores for me to go to....any thoughts?

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rdk777's avatar
rdk777
573 posts
 
ARC Ref 2SE Phono gets my vote.  You'll have to pay a little more, but worth it.  There's one for $5500 at USAM - you could try and bring the price down a little.  It has a gain of 74 dB and balanced output. 
testpilot
956 posts
 
The Herron VTPH2A is in your price range. It sounds great, and I always hoped it was competently designed but never knew for sure until now- no loading switches!

The Herron uses external loading plugs, although the designer feels it sounds best unloaded. 
roberjerman
4,319 posts
 
@sandthemall: I agree with you! I can't think of a way that resistive/capacitive loading can effect the stiffness (Young's Modulus) of a cantilever! 
petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
i can understand that energy has to go somewhere but still.
dynacohum
645 posts
 
He doesn’t refer to the actual stiffness of the cantilever, but to the electromagnetic damping effect the loading applies, which affects the compliance of the moving system, I think...
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