2. amps-preamps
  3. 172742-168714

Phono Preamp upgrade

New to vinyl playback but have some equipment that I'm really enjoying and others I'd like to consider upgrading.

My current set up is:

Audio Research VSi55 tube amplifier

Kef LS 50's

Pro-ject Debut Carbon w/ Ortofon Red & upgraded acrylic platter.

Schitt Mani phono preamp.

 

I'm happy with my amplifier and speakers but am curious about trying out different cartridge's, including MC. I would like to upgrade the TT, but am thinking of starting with the phono preamp. I'm looking at the following:

QHW 'The Vinyl'

Dynavector P75

Sutherland KC Vibe

All can be had for under $1k which I'm comfortable with paying and I've found retailers for all that allow returns so it's possible to order all 3 and have them at the same time to hear them in my system.

They all have multiple settings for MM & MC cartridges, so should be able to handle different cartridges down the road when I upgrade my TT.

I've read positive reviews about all. Do 1 or 2 stand out considerably above another? Or is just getting all of them and picking my favorite the best option? Any other that I should consider?

 

Thanks for your responses and advice!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

boywondr84
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,718 posts
 

My friend uses the Sutherland KC Vibe with a low output Dynavector MC. I doubt you would go wrong with the Vibe. BTW, you can get a used one for about $600.00 or less!

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

I’ll always bring up the pre I decided upon when replacing my Mani; The Hagerman Trumpet MC. Can handle any cart you want to throw at it. A bit more than $1k @ $1,098, free shipping.

Really like the Trumpet. I have changed out the tubes, and depending, that can increase the overall investment by a good chunk, but worth it, can ‘flavor to taste’, better be able to fit your set-up, and fun. That said, the stock tubes are fine too.

millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 

My advice, don't mess around with baby steps. With digital, okay. That stuff gets old so fast. A good phono stage though, well worth the money. 

I get you are thinking, "$600 turntable, $1k phono stage, sounds about right." If this will be the end of it, maybe so. But already you are talking about a better table and cartridge. So in 6 months, a year tops, out goes the phono stage, back to square one. 

Basically what I am saying, instead of buying for the system you have now, buy for the system you want to have next. Buy the one you will want when you have that better table and cart. Because soon enough, you will.

Best part of doing it this way, you will be shocked how much difference a really good phono stage makes.

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