The Modwright PH 9.0 is quite good. Separate MC and MM inputs; on the fly loading; selectable gain; tubed with Lundahl step ups. Even has a mono switch, which is surprisingly uncommon but useful. MSRP is a bit above your budget but you might be able to find a dealer to discount it. Used is squarely in your wheelhouse.
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@tim_p There’s a few used easily in budget but the computers worry me. Also the cap might be too high for my cart but I see many with 220pf. I run MM/MI only (at least for the forseeable future) and so it seems like I would be wasting most of this thing’s functionality. |
As do I, but it is nice to have options for the future without needing a SUT. As example my 'new' Soundsmith MIMC Lo cart, which I am quite enjoying. In addition, I still have my eyes on an MC cart at some point in the future, just to have/try one. The line of Benz are looking quite attractive to me lately. |
Initial impressions of Hagerman Trumpet MC with an AT740ML (mm) cartridge: Wow!!! Ballsy. Bass Supreme. Simply better in every dimension from top to bottom than the Phono Box RS with an outboard power supply. First off, it’s much louder than the Phono Box RS...this with a quieter noise floor. My AT740ML never sounded better. Lot’s of nice detail/timbre. Jim Hagerman was able to make a wall wart PS quiet. Brilliant. I suppose you can get an outboard powersupply...but he basically solved the problem with the circuit topology. I’ve always hated fussing with the load settings at the back. That’s another pain point gone (the first being noise). I will post more detailed impressions after it settles in and I can get the AT33PTGII cart in there to see how quiet the MC settings are. But for now...so very happy. Can’t believe this thing costs about a grand. Ordered it on the 12th...so fairly expeditious shipping. I think this phono preamp is going to change the performance/cost landscape. Technics 1200G>Hagerman Trumpet MC>Don Sachs Preamp>Primaluna Evo 400>Tannoy Turnberry GR |
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