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Phono Preamps with "balls" ?

taking the cue from another thread about speakers with "balls" - what are some phono preamps that you have found to be the most powerful, dynamic and yet still sound clean.  
i turn on my digital sources and they are often much more robust sounding and would like to know if there are phono preamps that can deliver.  thanks in advance  
avanti1960
invictus005
597 posts
 
But what JFETs should we use? Fake Chinese junk Toshibas from eBay? Or the mostly crap LS? I've just about had it with those guys. Last batch I ordered directly from them of LSK389Cs, 50% didn't meet spec. 

Sure, some of us have NOS parts. But this JFET era is coming to an end.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,859 posts
 
It could be a good alternative in your designs instead the out of production devices you were using.
We don't use any out of production devices. We have an internal design rule called the 20-year rule that prevents us from doing something like that.

The MAT12 is an excellent device; the gain and noise aspects are attractive. The distortion is not; we get lower distortion using a 12AT7.
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
I really liked the Zesto Andros 1.2. Check it out. Available in both male and female versions......
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rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
I don't know about the 12 but the ones I'm refering to were the MAT02 and 03 that were the ones that Levinson used. Probably out of production. Btw, AD had those devices in " space grade " specs.

R.
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent
526 posts
 
@avanti1960 I’m curious as to what you find out and direction you go. I too am looking for a possible upgrade in the phono pre area. I like the Lehmann, especially for the price, but like you find it lacking at times.

What's your amp and speakers?
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