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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
mountz's avatar
mountz
133 posts
 
+1 with the Herron.  I tried several (SS and tubes) and decided from the comments in this group to give it a try.  I bought a used one that Keith upgraded to 2a status.  Dead quiet and Keith is a resource. Anytime I have called, Keith has personally answered (even on a weekend) and his advice has been spot on.  My unit, is dead quiet and even with attenuation at 12 o’clock I can’t tell if my phono is on, it’s that quiet.  I was waiting for the right Aesthetix Io to become available but am so pleased, I think my search is over.  Could not recommend more
psychoticreaction OP
37 posts
 
With regard to the Herron, am I reading it right that it is a hybrid design? The MC section is a fet based ss stage?
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op

With regard to the Herron, am I reading it right that it is a hybrid design? The MC section is a fet based ss stage?


i think you are overthinking this

you run your gear lots lots of hours, tubes will burn out get microphonic need replacement - last i checked they haven’t fixed that problem about vacuum tubes

get a really good ss phono stage with plenty of gain and loading options - quite a few out there... be done, enjoy the music

not to say herron is not good stuff... it must be, there is a loyal, vocal following for this small proprietor owned outfit, excellent reputation - but if you want coffee and folks are saying tea because that is what they have chosen to drink, then is there really a debate? would herron put tubes in his phono stage and not have it in the signal path?
psychoticreaction OP
37 posts
 
My reason for asking about the Herron is informational.  As I said before, I haven't completely ruled out tubes.

I don't think I'm overthinking anything.  I'm just trying to decide what to buy, and the information I've gotten from this thread so far has been extremely helpful.
labelman
14 posts
 
@ Gestalt is correct.  I've demo'd the Gold Note first hand recently - with Focal Stellias and Luxman L-171 w/ Koetsu Black Cartridge.  Exquisite.  The Quad HP is also nice and under budget.

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