Pick A Tube Phono Preamp, but not just any Tube Phono Preamp


I am hoping some of the experts will help with the decision, I'm an audiophile newbie but learning much from the people here!  One thing I have learned is that everything is in synergy, so a $30K preamp is out of place with a $1K amp.  I already know I don't have the money to purchase truly exotic audiophile quality, somewhere I read you can get 90% of the way there at 30% of the price.

The tube phono preams are in the $1500 - $2000 range, but of course less $ would be OK if the quality is still there, and purchasing used here extends the possibilities.

I have a HOMC cartridge, Dynavector 10X5.  I can't ever see getting a truly exotic LOMC cartridge, but maybe at some point I'd look for an upgraded MC cartridge.  The 10X5 seems truly excellent though, but that is for a different time.

I'm thinking of an Allnic H1201, a bit beyond the upper $2000, the Eastern Electric Minimax Phono, which even new is $1500, and used is less, the Audible Illusions Modulus 3A, which used is in the range, but I'd be using the MM input, the Decware ZP3, and the EAR 834P. I'm thinking there may be others in the range that people here know of to think about.

The Modulus 3A has several other inputs besides the phono, which seems to be a benefit, but maybe then the phono portion has been a lesser focus than on a strictly phono preamp?  The downside is to go to a LOMC cartridge it needs a new replacement board, which isn't tube based so that is a question.  I'm thinking people would use a SUT and keep using the MM input, but I could be wrong.

The Eastern Electric just seems to be excellent quality, but it seems a fair amount of the price for it, as many of these, is to accommodate the LOMC cartridges.  With the Decware ZP3, if you go with a LOMC, you then have to buy an additional ZMC, and get the correct one based on the cartridge.  But that means the ZP3 is focused completely on the MM and HOMC cartridges, which seems to be a good thing.  The end result though is that in the end the Decware may end up costing much higher than the $2000 upper limit.

The EAR834P seems to be highly recommended, but many of those recommendations are from people who've had it heavily modified.  In factory stock condition it is still well thought of though.  It is also possible to get the 834P for only MM, but once again in the long run that would be a questionable choice, it is probably better to get the MM/MC version at a higher price.

So it is a question, and I'll appreciate the opinions.

the_treble_with_tribbles
The most important part of phono stages is matching with a synergistic cartridge. If I were you, I would find the best VFM phono pre for your current cartridge. That would be, imo, the Dynavector P75. You can find these being sold all the time on this site. Also, the Lounge Audio LCR will match up nicely without breaking the bank. Try not to complicate matters further than needed here...
The P75 can be used with all of the DV cartridges to good effect if you choose to upgrade to a LOMC in the future.
If you really want to try a tube unit ask your dealer for a demo. If you fall in love then you will most likely be moving to a LOMC. Is your turntable capable to handle this upgrade?The DV 10X5 is a fine cartridge  but imo you will really start to hear significant differences when you move to a LOMC. Just adding a tube phono stage will not transform your listening experience with your current cartridge. Different -yes, but might not be all that you may think it will be. Just my .02
ATB,
Mark
Might as well swing for the fences and get a Herron VTPH-2a.  Nothing better, few if any as good.  Can directly handle HOMC and LOMC.  Easy external loading.  Best phono stage I've heard.  I own one and wouldn't own any other.  Any other would be a step down in performance.  Will cost a few dollars over $2,000 but you don't have to worry about upgrades or improvements.

Disclosure:  I am not employed by Herron Audio.  I am not Keith Herron.  I have no financial interest in Herron Audio.  I am not a member of the Herron family.  My phono stage, preamp, amps, and interconnects are all Herron Audio.  I have owned Herron Audio equipment for over 20 years.  I have never had to replace a tube in ANY Herron Audio component.

Wow, I knew there were many experts here, I appreciate that so many people are also kind enough to reply!  I was thinking maybe two responses!!

First response to the Herron VTPH-2a, and that concurs with my research.  Also, I have read many praises for Mr. Herron.  Actually tried to purchase one used, but the guy never responded.  That is really stretching past the $2000 limit, although, as stated, it is probably worth the reach at that point.  I'm thinking that's true too with the Allnic H1201.

So that is the second aspect of this search, many of the excellent ones I've found, and the other excellent ones I didn't know about, are rarely sold used.  As nitewolf said, " typically you don't see them used because no one sells them."

I don't know if I'll be able to follow varyat's good advice, as I tend to complicate everything, and then even with all of that still end up wondering if I did something wrong.

I am wondering just how much dB gain the Dynavector 10X5 needs from the phono preamp.  From the specs, it is 2.5mV, but I'm not sure if that is the only spec I need to look at.  The specifications for the Decware SE34I.5 state it needs "2.5 volts for full output."

I have also heard the many praises of the LOMC, but at least for now I'll have to attempt just to get this HOMC working.

+1 on the Herron. I, too, am not Keith Herron--just one of his many loyal adherents.

From all I'm reading about Keith Herron, I'm starting to wish I was him!!!

Now, Jim Fosgate and Steve Deckert are pretty much up in the stratosphere too from what I can research.

All extremely talented people.