phono preamp with volume?

I once tried this (going direct from phonostage to power amps) with an NYAL Moscode SuperIt, which has its own volume controls. It sounded absolutely awful -- thin, wiry, two-dimensional -- compared to running the unit through a decent active linestage. Just be sure that whatever phono preamp you get will not suffer in direct mode. Dave

Hi, I think the consenus thought here is a linestage is desireable with a phono stage. Just yields a better sound.

Not sure your price range or needs, but their are several preamps with very good built in phono stages.

-Some of the BAT preamps have a phono card option
-Nagra PLP
-Several vintage Audio Research preamps

EAR 324
EAR 88
Manley Steelhead
PS Audio GCPH
K&K audio
These all come with volume control.

You are not limited to a phono preamp with built in volume control. You can use any phono preamp you like just add a pair of high quality stepped attenuators such as Goldpoint etc.. between your preamp and amp, just as you would if you were adding a full function pre but without its sound coloration, useless controls and added distortion. Its all you need.

Bob

Joule-Electra OPS-1/2. Excellent all tube phono stage with tube stand alone power supplies.