Small form factor, SS phono preamp recommendation.
Hello all.... I've been using the very capable iFi Zen Phono as a place-holder for quite some time now. Using it's balanced output and upgraded power-supply I think it's a fantastic little unit. My 'table is a Luxman PD171A with a Jelco 850 10" arm and right now it's mounted with my Hana Umami Red. I also have an Accuphase E-5000 and will soon be taking delivery of a pair of Borresen Z5 Cryos. With my cabinet (which my wife calls "the Ark of the Covenant"), and the overall aesthetics of the room, I'm looking for a small, solid state, very high performing phono preamp. Since I just spent crazy money on the Accuphase and Borresens my budget is limited to $3,000 or so. I've been considering a Nova III with the upgraded power supply, a graham Slee Accession with upgraded power supply, an Accuphase AD-40 phono card, or a Whest. What am I missing? I'm to the point that I want to settle into years of stability with my stereo, and just enjoy mining my record collection and the many great record stores in Chicagoland. Thank you for reading,
~Oran
@robelvick @lewm @gemoody and others.... Thanks for the insights. It probably does make the most sense to stick with the Accuphase phono card. It would be easy to spend a lot more and end up with more cords, more complexity, more chance for extraneous noise to get picked up, and with my cost restraints, no guarantee of better sound. ~Oran |
@jorgjean , What do you like about the whest? What cart are you using it with? Music Direct has an open box PS.40RDT SE for sale right now and I’m intrigued by it. |
