2. amps-preamps
  3. 158096-139475

phono/preamp analog front end

I have a great, older  analog system...Oracle/Graham 1.5t Ceramic/Ortofon A95/Classe DR-6(modified/refurbished)/Threshold 4000 (modified)/Von Schweikert VR4.5 Silver with all nice power cords/interconnects.....considering upgrading preamp...used vs  new, looking to spend about $5K....could stick with SS, get used Pass Labs XP-15/X2.5 for <$5k....never ventured into tubes.....no convenient stores for me to go to....any thoughts?

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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,931 posts
 
I quess my question to you is, should I feel good about that fact for the reason you stated?
If its designed competently for LOMC cartridges, then there is no need for 'cartridge loading', so yes.
sorry, fellas, but this is not my problem or concern
If you found that you don't need to worry about cartridge loading in your system (doesn't sound bright with stock loading, and reducing the loading value does not help), then yes- I agree. Nor does the Classe DR6 have any such provision. But if you are looking at newer preamps the comments I made bear directly on this.


millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The Herron VTPH2A is in your price range. It sounds great, and I always hoped it was competently designed but never knew for sure until now- no loading switches! 
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
Whest makes a great SS phono amp. Check out their website for available models & professional / user reviews. 
sandthemall
544 posts
 
@atmasphere 
Can you explain how the resistor loading makes the cartridge cantilever stiffer?  This absolutely does not make sense to me.
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
577 posts
 
ARC Ref 2SE Phono gets my vote.  You'll have to pay a little more, but worth it.  There's one for $5500 at USAM - you could try and bring the price down a little.  It has a gain of 74 dB and balanced output. 
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