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Thoughts on best budget phono pre-amp under $400?

Looking for opinions and thoughts on best phono pre-amp under $400 used.
Will be used with a ClearAudio emotion 4 table and ClearAudio Artist V2 mm cart.
Ones I have looked at so far are Vincent pho-8, Creek obh-15, Lounge Audio mk3.
Hopefully get some solid advice and suggestions from actual users.
Listen mainly to modern rock and some classic rock, think A7X, Yes, Rush, Audioslave etc.
Thank you in advance and happy thanksgiving to all!
128x128uberwaltz
jperry
2,457 posts
 
Ray Samuels Audio F-117 Nighthawk Phono Stage. You should be able to find one in your price range used.

http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/f-117.html
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
I like the idea behind the nighthawk, running off a battery to ensure zero ac line noise.
However$795 is over my budget and Not found any used ones right now.
But thank you as certainly looks like a nice piece.
dill
2,543 posts
 
I use a Jolida JD9 II.
spelly
63 posts
 
In the lower price arena I have owned the Nighthawk, Parks Audio Budgie, and Vista Audio. 

I prefer the Parks and Vista to the Nighthawk.   More musical, less analytical.  Both are right at your budget, and IMO both perform way beyond their price points.

FWIW, my local audio buddies who also heard all three had the same preferences.

http://parksaudiollc.com/budgiepreamp.html

http://vista-audio.com/products.htm
inna
7,351 posts
 
For rock I don't think you want battery powered phono because you might lose some dynamics, especially inexpensive phono. If you can find Acoustech, that's what I use for different kinds of music including jazzrock, you are very unlikely to do better. If you cannot, I would probably get the best Lehmann I could afford.
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