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Phono preamp for a Denon 103R cartridge.

Hi all. After picking up a new cartridge, and moving the upstairs stereo to a different room, I began to think about where to take the next step with that system. I'm not going to digitize my vinyl. I am just going to savor it, without collecting too many more LPs. Theoretically. But I'd like to best the ProJect DS2 Phono Box USB, if possible. For under $1500, with lower being favored rather "stretching" for an $1800 item. I just don't think my collection or systems warrant such a leap.

The table is a Denon DP 3000NE. The preamp is a Pass X2.5, and I'll use the low gain setting. I'm mildly interested in a phono pre that has XLR output, but it's not crucial. I'm most interested in what might go well with this cartridge primarily.

This morning I'm leaning toward a JC3 Jr, and on other days I have wondered about a Hagerman, but six tubes will mean spending a bit more. A Sutherland. perhaps? Or something with front panel adjustments?

 

Thanks for your consideration.

zarf
allenf1963
320 posts
 

I got a good deal on a Sutherland KC Vibe, and I was blown away at the sound quality I heard for under $700.  I can say the same for the Schiit Mani 2.  I gave my son a Rega P3 I wasn't using to see if they would get into vinyl, and needed an inexpensive phono amp.  I bought the Mani based on my prior experience with Schiit Audio products. Incredible performance for the price.

 

There's no need to take out a second mortgage to achieve quality sound.  I just laugh when I see people on here debating on gear that cost as much as my pick up truck, bass boat and trailer.  Believe me, the truck, boat, and trailer will get used a lot more and will have much greater resell value.  I love my music and my 60+ year vinyl collection -- but my vintage system sounds fine.

armstrod
610 posts
 

I own a 103R and really liked it with the E.A.T. E-Glo Petit. It has plenty of gain, gives you the ability to roll the 12AX7s, front (actually top) panel controls for easy loading changes, and really quiet.

I've owned a number of under $500 solid state phono preamps, and while they were all competent there was a very audible difference as I moved up the chain.

danmar123's avatar
danmar123
436 posts
 

Have you looked into a Denon AU-103?

zarf OP
30 posts
 

I appreciate the Sutherland recommendations. KC would allow switching among all cartridges, but the TZ is specific to low output MC. KCs seem readily available. Lounge seems to have op-amps, and I might prefer discrete.

theflattire, I have an MP7 in a different system, as an MM only phono pre. I know that there are newer models without an SUT requirement for MC cartridges. I'd recommend it as well, and I'm using it with a 2M Black. It's a keeper.

inagroove, the Zesto does seem to be pretty adjustable. A nice one sold recently. I appreciate that the 103Rs may have led you there.

armstrod, I do like the ability to roll 12AX7s. I have multiple pairs and some familiarity as a result. The Aric Audio Unlimited II uses them as well.

danmar123, that piece is a work of art. I don't know anything about it. I'm going off to read some reviews on these suggestions.

I've used a Parks Puffin, and enjoyed the adjustability and tweak potential. I wonder about picking one up again, used. I replaced it with the Darlington, which has been a keeper.

Thanks to all for the recommendations so far. What appeals to me about this particular cartridge is the product lifetime, and the fact that there's an aftermarket if you'd like to go further, rather than add another cartridge to the collection.

 

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