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Phono preamp under 1k new or used advice?

I decided to keep the rega brio R, and take the rega P5 out of the storage and enjoy listening to Vinyl again, once one member told me when you get to this point digital will not be satisfying and i am staring to believe in those words three years ago.
I though in graduate school an iPod with 30k songs and a monster iPod stations friends gave me for my birthday will be ok and do the job.
after 3 weeks in PR i started hating the sound and decided to go analog with the rega RP1, but now i am taking my p5 in NJ out of storage and ship it hear.
i received today the Stan Getz and charlie Byrd, jazz samba, just to make me aware that my soul is totally connected to the analog sound and image, need to upgrade the rega brio R built in phono.
thanks
128x128junglern
podeschi
303 posts
 
If you can stretch, there is a Fosgate Signature Phono preamp for sale right now for $1499 on Audiogon. It is an amazing phono preamp. Will wipe the floor with any phono preamp 2-3k and under. I speak from experience as I auditioned multiple units in the 1-3k range and bought the Fosgate. Sold it only because I decided a Herron VTPH-2 worked better in my system.

Also have heard the Jolida JD9 is supposed to be a giant killer (http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/jolida3/phono.html) and Spearit Sound (reputable dealer I've purchased from) has one new for $499. Upgrade tubes etc and a shunyata venom power cord and for about $600 you would have a mighty fine unit that can scale.
podeschi
303 posts
 
Also Upscale Audio (and a private seller) have Herron VTPH-1 for sale in the 1400 dollar range on Audiogon. Another "keep it for life" phono preamp that will scale if you buy better table/cartridge/etc.
manitunc
795 posts
 
I continue to recommend the PS Audio GCPH as a most remarkable phono preamp under $1000, considerably under since I bought mine new for $499. It has easy loading options for any cartridge without opening the case, and uniquely, a remote control with gain so you can run a complete vinyl only system with no preamplifier. I wish this option was avaiable on more products.
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
835 posts
 
Another option is the Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova. The Nova sells for $1K new, had dip switches for resistance, capacitance, and gain. Also runs off batteries that recharge via the AC plug.
I like mine a lot, but just don't have a lot of experience listening to other units in my rig so I can't comment on comparisons to other units.
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