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Phono preamp question

I'm slowly trying to upgrade my vinyl system to something that could be considered moderately decent, not necessarily high end. I have an older full feature preamp and am thinking in getting a separate phono preamp. I'm assuming the phono preamp would need to be connected to one of the line inputs. Would my preamp be the weak link if I get a good phono preamp to use with my existing preamp? Can a phono preamp be connected directly to the amplifier? FWIW, the preamp is an Adcom GTP-750. Thanks.
kalali
dorkwad
548 posts
 
Look for a used Audible Illusions 2C or 2D, or for about twice the money, a used 3A.  The 3A would go for about $1200 so you could get a 2D for about $600.  The 3A would be newer, however.  All these have a very good built in phono preamp and the line stage is also good.  The 3A would most likely satisfy you for a long time and through several system upgrades.  I had a 2D for about 18 years that I loved.  I bought a 3A with John Curl moving coil phono pre so I could use low output MC cartridges again.  Can't use MC with the 2C or 2D.  They both sound very good with MM cartridges.  Get a good quality SS amp to go with it and the combo will most likely be very satisfying,
zipost's avatar
zipost
199 posts
 
i recommend the Audio Experience plus... you can buy one used at $200.  It can take mm and mid mc.   R core power supply, 6x4 rectifier and single 12ax7 input & dual 12ax7 output.    Best bang for the buck!  

donvito101
278 posts
 
FYI: A passive preamp will not work with a phono stage to drive a power amp. A few mv from a cartridge is not enough to drive a power amp that needs volts. You will never get any volume doing that.Take a look at the input sensitivity of any power amp and you will see it is rated in volts!
kalali's avatar
kalali OP
1,977 posts
 

I have a NAD preamp in my other system which appears to have a more sophisticated phono stage which I have never tried. That might be good enough for this system and it would give me the excuse I need to finally get a tube line stage for my most frequency used system(s). Win win, I guess.

vair68robert
638 posts
 
Kalali
There is a Simaudio 110lp for 420.00  free shipping on Ebay.
I bought mine used as well as most of my equipment.

As for the FYI  info from another post it is a mute issue with my system,
You didn't mention what amp you are using ,
so if it is a low powered one then you would need a powered preamp.

I am thinking about a tube phono preamp ,
so far it's a Deware , Tavish Manley or Rogue .

Good Luck and Enjoy





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