2. amps-preamps
  3. 187541-16123

Phono preamp, all suggestions welcome

I currently have a well updated Linn TT with a Ortofon 2M Black which should be updated soon. This yr. I acquired a Belles Virtuoso Preamp. I need a phono preamp which is lacking in the preamp. Some of my preliminary choices for cart are Hanna SL or SH, Dynavector 10x5 or 20x2. Ortofon Quintet Im trying to stay close or lower than $1000. However, my question is which phono stage best matches my TT. Choices are Schiit Mani, Moon LV 110 V2, Pro ject tube box S2 and the Clear audio Nano. All are around $500 which is my budget. I'm inclined toward the Project because its tubed and will bring that warm sound to my system. The rest of my system is Belles Virtuoso 200wpc amp and Vandys 2CE sig. Can anyone comment on any of these phono stages or suggest others.
128x128lobinero
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 

ARC if ya can swing it

bstatmeister
537 posts
 

+1 for Schiit gear. I have a Mani, Mani 2 and getting a Skoll for Christmas. My understanding is that there is a lot less noise on the Skoll compared to the Mani. The music comes from a blacker background. I'll try to post some impressions once I get it set up.

vinylshadow
492 posts
 

ASR Basis Exclusive battery phono preamp.

rmdmoore
163 posts
 

Also on your list should be the musical surroundings units, the phenomena and novaIII. These are not tube but extremely clean, quiet, and true to the source. I have a project I use with my 2nd system and it's ok but if I still had my nova iii I'd be using it instead. My experience is that you want a really clean phono pre. The signal is so small and trying not to color it all that early in the chain is preferable. If you're going to seek out tube based units that really have enough gain for a lot output MC cartridge many will need a transformer built in. These get expensive. They're worth it if and when you get there but my feeling is that within your budget, a good solid state unit will serve your need better. 

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,671 posts
 

IMO, you should rearrange your budget to spending less on the cartridge and more on the phono preamp!

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