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Looking for a new phono preamp

Hi,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Here's the deal. I'd like to find a new phono preamp. I'd prefer solid state, tubes get noisy too fast. My latest cartridge is an AT-ART9XA. I'm currently running thru a sut into a cj pv10a with phono stage, but I have just got my hands on a Bel Canto pre5 that the new phono pre will be paired with.

I've got a hard upper limit of $2.5k, less is OK for the right unit. I'm looking to buy new. Dealers around me aren't really set up to demo vinyl, so I'm hoping the collective experience in here can at least point me in the right direction. Hopefully, it would have a one month return policy so I can try out the preamp.

TIA.

PsychoicReaction
psychoticreaction
bpoletti
1,566 posts
 
With a low output cartridge, solid state phono stages can get noisier than tubes, than hybrids.  It has to do with how the current crop of semiconductors are manufactured.  

Under any circumstances, I would recommend a Herron VTPH-2A.  It is dead quiet.  With a little luck, you could find one used that meet your budget.  I've had one for years without ANY noise from tubes or the SS front end.  
ericsch
767 posts
 
I know you said new, but a used Pass Labs XP15 would be within your budget. I have one and it sounds great and is very quiet. If you do not have easy access to the back, the dip switches can be a bit of a pain. 
 
lexx21
75 posts
 
Dude if your experience with tubes have been "too noisy too quick" then you REALLY need to ask yourself why they were over biased in the first place. I have designed tube phono preamps that disappear audibly from the signal path. If you are looking for a consumer solid state phono pre....good luck with that. Stick with the conrad johnson that you have and use NOS 12au7 tubes. You will not get that from solid state.
aewarren
727 posts
 
+ lexx21
realworldaudio
174 posts
 
I'd recommend the new Hagerman Trumpet. It has a utilitarian look, but the content is worth gold. Jim improved the sound on the old Trumpet (Stereophile Class A), this is the 3rd generation version, and decreased the price a LOT at the same time. It is a 10K$+ category tube phono with MC step up (solid state) for 1.1K$.
Don't let the meager price tag scare you away. It is a giant step up over the CJ.
Trumpet is a fantastic match for lomc Audio Technica cartridges.

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