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Phono preamp selection

So my budged dropped to about $1,000 for a preamp, which will be matched with the VPI Classic, Lyra Delos cart and Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum tube amp. The usual suspect and main candidates are:

1. Heed Audio Quasar
2. PS Audio GCPH
3. Sutherland Ph3D
4. Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena

Heed is the only preamp I can probably audition. I've heard good things about all four, but I am intrigued by the battery powered units, which remove any issues with the power supply. All four pretty much offer as much flexibility as one might need. I find the Nova manual very confusing regarding the gain and load setting, which turned me off to it, but otherwise sounds great. The GCPH modded is apparently absolutely incredible, but it's outside of my price range at the moment. I feel sort of weird about the Sutherland being powered by D-cell batteries.

I'd love to hear your recommendations and opinions. Thank you.
actusreus
jdolgin
82 posts
 
I have 2 suggestions. I've used both in my system with great results.
Ray Samuels Audio F-117 Nighthawk is a battery powered phono stage that's wonderful for about $775. Getting the phono stage off the grid is valuable. The silence allows phenomenal detail without being "hyped up".
In addition, EAR 834 phono stages are commonly for sale used at about $1000. Also a classic good value that can be improved with NOS tubes. Both high value solutions.
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plato
1,543 posts
 
The Nova Phonomena is very good sounding and is straight forward to use despite your initial impression.

I have had a couple of GCPH units that hummed too much when using a low output moving coil.

I agree about the D-cells in the Sutherland and don't know the Heed unit.
br3098
994 posts
 
I have found the Sutherland PH3D to be a very good SS phono preamp. It is extremely neutral and honest, and has absolutely no background noise whatsoever. By honest I mean that well recorded LPs sound great, and poorly recorded LPs sound like crap.

Yes, all of those D cells were a concern when I received the unit, but they work well and have a long life. They also weigh the unit down nicely so that it sits securely on a rack shelf. Inside, it's a well-built unit made with high quality components.

I haven't heard the Heed. The PS Audio gets rave reviews but I tried one for a couple of weeks and din't find it special - neither good or bad. The Nova Phonomena is another great unit. Michael Yee designs great phono stages. The Phonomena is a very good amp, but IMHO not as quiet or neutral as the PH3D. But are smply my impressions in my system. YMMV
thorman
1,262 posts
 
You may also want to consider a used ( if you can find one ) Vacuum State JLTI Phono amp..I picked one up off Audiogon and have been very pleased..Excellent product for the asking price........
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