2. analog
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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
rsimms
150 posts
 
I have a Dodd battery powered phono preamp that I consider equal to anything out there and would be in your price bracket used. It will only handle high output cartridges and the battery power is a pain, but the sound and price is worth it.

You might have a hard time finding a used one for sale though.

Bob
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knownothing
1,606 posts
 
I use a Grado phono pre which I like, but if upgrading would go to the Musical Surroundings Phonomena Nova.
rodman99999
6,160 posts
 
The PS GCPH is one unit that responds greatly, to the installation of a HiFi Supreme Tuning fuse, and upgraded power cord(ZU Mother works great here). They already contain FREDs, in their power supplies, and I believe the stock fuse and cord prevent them from performing to their potential. The differences are not subtle, in the least, with these two simple tweaks.
paul2240
22 posts
 
I also have a Jolida with the level 1 mods. I further modded it with some mullards and pulled off those silly tube shields and added some herbie tube dampeners. I also added some isopods and upgraded the cord. Probably have about a grand into it. Sounds excellent. I run it with a full tube system, an Amadeus TT and Shelter 501 MC. I use full silver ICs to balance some of the warmth. The detail is excellent, with tremendous mid-range. Being all tube, the bass is not as distinguished as some that I've heard, but that's more of a reflection of the overall setup (probably). The Jolida has really nice topography and lends itself to upgrades.
podeschi
303 posts
 
Here is one for sale right now on audiogon for $650. Good deal:

Musical Surroundings Nova with battery pack.
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