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Do they make a quiet great sounding phono pre amp??

Hi, I have purchased and listened to 3 phono preamps which are: A musical surroundings phonomena, musical surroundings Nova II, and a Manley labs Chinook. The Manely labs Chinook is by far bettter sounding then the first two (double the cost too). But, All three have given me nothing but trouble (noise,noise,noise even terrible clipped signals!), and 2 of them basically failed on me. So before I go DIGITAL, can someone please tell me who makes a phono preamp in the $2,000-$3,000 range (tube or solid state) that I can rely on, and sounds as good or better than the Chinook?? Thanks.


Matt M                                             
128x128mattmiller
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,404 posts
 
Again, the Herron. It replaced a very quiet solid state unit (Whest PS30RDT) which is well regarded sonically. The Herron is as quiet and sonically far superior.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Based on the responses thus far it is clear that the Herron VTPH-2 and Allnic 1201 would be a very compelling/competitive comparison.
Charles,
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
While I would agree with the Herron (especially) and other suggestions above, clipping with the Manley sounds like something is wrong somewhere, either in the unit or somewhere else.  Just to confirm, you are using the MC input, mot the MM input, right?  I would have the unit checked out by your dealer before giving up on it.
oilmanmojo
472 posts
 
RCM sensor II. its a solid state Phono but dead quiet. Interestingly RCM is known for tube amps, hence my intrigue as i was investigating a new Phono stage. ALso had experience with a ZYX artisan which i really liked. Battery operation and very quiet. I would still be using except my new cartridge needed a little more gain than what the ZXY provided
sgunther
187 posts
 
There is an Einstein Balance Turntables Choice phono pre for sale here for $3995, new they are $10,000. Slightly over of your budget but you would never need to upgrade again. I have no affiliation with seller but use a lower model Einstein phono with Aesthetix tube pre and amps and love the combination.
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