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Looking for a Phono pre around 1K

Hey all,
My system,
VPI hw-19 mkIII, premier mmt arm, Ortofon bronze 2m, Yaqin 100b KT-88 push pull, Focal 1008be2
I've had :
Cambridge audio 640p that I modded (power supply, opamp sockets, ) 
Sound: ok , not much soundstage or detail
Yaqin ms23b tube. 
Sound; more soundstage, better delineation of vocals and room ambience, still sounds a bit muffled/recessed.

I know those are on the inexpensive side, but after upgrading my speakers to the Focals. I'm hearing hints of things in the recordings that, I'm positive, with a better phono pre could be more fleshed out.

I listen to mainly rock/pop (Bowie, Stones, Steely Dan, Pink Floyd, Carly Simon, jazz)

If I could stay under 1K that would be great.

I'd like more definition, without losing the sweetness of tubes, I know I don't have any tube stages on there but…
I'd like the ability to use a MC cart as well 9I have a Denon 160)
My list so far:
Musical Fidelity - MX-VYNL Mm/Mc
Sutherland - Insight Phono Preamplifier
Musical Surroundings - Nova II
PS Audio Phono Converter (would be great to rip the records)

Any Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

thanks
mdelrossi1
rpm33's avatar
rpm33
15 posts
 
Have you seen the Sutherland PH3D? Runs on a pack of 16 D cells. Playing time
is said to be 1200 hours and has been derived from more expensive units by
this company.
biketech60
51 posts
 
The Transcendent Sound Phono Preamp is very well regarded, although factory-assembled it's $ 1099 . Under $900 for the kit if you can do it yourself . Only 2 gain stages ,all triodes . Many say it's still the best product he offers . Worth a look ?
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,208 posts
 
No MC but a great phono pre.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-croft-series-7-micro-preamplifier-croft-preamplifier-2017-05-12-preamplifiers-60091-wilmette-il
alex2000ca
2 posts
 
PS Audio Phono Converter is too noisy for MC cartridge.
pursuitofnow
11 posts
 
I'm using the same cartridge and can without a doubt recommend the Decware ZP3. It's little over your budget but worth it in my opinion. The soundstage is superb and to me sounds very real and musical. No unwanted noise what so ever. Complete satisfaction.
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