2. analog
  3. 1016843413

Preamp-phonostage selection for analog lover

This is my first thread here. Maybe it should go on the amp/preamp board but I am hoping that analog lovers, like me, will have a specialized knowledge base and be gracious enough to provide me with some help.

I really, really like the sound of vinyl. Several months ago, I bought a VPI 16.5 and since then have cleaned about 1,500 of my older LP's. I have a very nice McCormack SS amp, a Clearaudio Champion TT with an average AT cartridge (that I will be replacing), and a pair of Aerial 8 floorstanders. I have been using a borrowed Lehmann Black Cube from a friend. The Cube is okay, but I want to buy my own different from the Cube. Now I want to buy a USED TUBE preamp and a phono stage or a combination pre/phono (I know most people like the separates but I would like to go combo if at all practical). I will, of course, be using the TT and also an older Sony analog tuner. I will be using a run-of-the-mill CD player from time to time, but a high quality digital front end is NOT important to me, nor is it in my future.

Can those of you with more recent experience than I in analog give me some recommendations that would match with this amp, TT, speaker combo. I am also open to cartridge choices. I would like to stay with a good MM for now but would like to have a phono stage with the flexibilty to use an MC in the future. Oh, yes, and I'd like to spend between 1200-1800US on USED component(s)(I prefer someone else to take the knock down, I refuse to buy new in this area)! Please try to suggest units that fall within my price range USED not new, Bang for my buck, you know... Maybe 500-750US on a NEW cartridge - this lot I refuse to buy used! HA)

Thank you
Barbara
lpspinner
jimbo3
304 posts
 
CHeck out the AUdible Illusions M3A pre-amp. It includes a phono stage. Two versions available- one for MM or high output MC and another version (called "Gold Board") for low output MC's. The MM version's phono section is very good, while the "Gold Board" is excellent. The preamp and phono sections are tubed and are compatible with just about any SS or tube amp. Typical price range is $1100 to $1600 depending on version and age. Extreme Value!!!!

Regards
Jim
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I understand that the AI goes through tubes rather quickly and that Sovteks are the only ones that are rugegd enough to "stand tall" for any real length of time. Is this true in anyone's experience?
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
To clarify, when I mention "I understand", this "understanding" comes from what some have said, not from MY personal experience. Thus, the question to others.
sstark
63 posts
 
Yes. It is true. However you can try a variety of tubes and the sound will be significantly better or worse? The experimentation is fascinating. I've tried 6H23, PCC88, Tungsrams 6922, 7308, E288cc etc. Some tubes are quite expensive others are not. Some of the cheapest tubes have sounded the best.
More to discover