2. amps-preamps
  3. 162150-96791

Phono Preamp suggestions $2000 (pre-rabbit hole tire kicking edition)

Next on my upgrade list is a new phonostage. I have been using and enjoying a Lounge LCR MKIII which doesn’t do anything wrong. But, I feel its not an end game piece even for my (mid-fi at best) system.
So, ideally I would like:Fast and dynamic.Some warmth"muscular" type of presentation."You are there" type of clarity

Bonus points for:Mono switchFront/rear face controls (loading/cap/etc)MM only
Budget: $2000 or less
I have been searching all the various forums to come up with a list, and some are well reviewed and very popular but I am not sure they will be what I would like. Basically trying to narrow down a list and then try to get a demo (if thats even possible)
--Odyssey Suspiro Reference - fairly certain this will do the job beautifully, Klaus will send a me a loaner to try out. Fremer loved it.
--Sutherland 20/20 (used) - people fall over themselves for this one so its undoubtedly good. The consensus I get from all I have read it that it has no sound. Also that it doesn’t have the best bass, but that having subs remedies that (I guess?)
--LFD LE MM phono stage - recently caught wind of this one. Great reviews.
--Manley Chinook (used - 2012 version) - people seem to love this one. Googling seems to indicate it might have the type of sound I’m after.
--Aural Thrills Serenade - sporadically mentioned. The builder seems......super confident. TAS award winning so thats good.
--Rogue Ares Magnum (used) - Rogue gear is popular. I have no experience. Seems like a very good piece of equipment however.
--Don Sachs Phono - Super interested in this one. MM only, Could probably get a mono switch. Haven’t seen anything negative about it. I like thats it build to order (specs).
At this point I’m just looking to get a list of gear to rabbit hole and try to demo if possible.
Thanks in advance.
gochurchgo
nordicnorm
313 posts
 
For MM, I’d recommend the Croft Acoustics RIAA Phono Stage. It sells for under $1,000 (£500). Highly underrated.

Tubes: 2 x ECC83
Sensitivity: 2 mV for 0.5 V rms
Input impedance: 47 kΩ

It's magical with my London Decca Super Gold cart.
rooze's avatar
rooze
640 posts
 
I heard a Sound-Smith phono at Cap Audio Fest. You'd expect it to be good, and it is. Comes in well under your budget too.
gochurchgo OP
923 posts
 
Anyone heard the Luxman e-250? There’s much chatter on the e-500 but little on the 250.
@nordicnorm thanks. I recall reading reviews on that a while back as they are very inexpensive used. 
@rooze  interesting. I’m look into it
avanti1960
1,500 posts
 
@gochurchgo         
i agree about the 20 20.  for me the fact that it is so neutral is a positive.  i want my phono preamp to be completely neutral, clean and dynamic.  
this lets the character of the recording and mastering shine through.  i add character elesewhere, in the cartridge for example. 
the 20 20 lets the character of the cartridge be heard in full bloom.  
jsal3689
82 posts
 
Musical Fidelity M6 vinyl phono pre. I have had it over a year. Two tables. Marantz TT-15 with Sumiko Blackbird MC cartridge and Music Hall MMF-5.3 with Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood MM cartridge. I can keep both turntables hooked up and change them with a flick of a switch. The M6 has a great sound for $1,800. Here is a link: 

https://upscaleaudio.com/collections/musical-fidelity/products/musical-fidelity-m6-vinyl-phono-stage
More to discover