2. amps-preamps
  3. 190296-189245

Looking for phono preamp advice in the $1000 - $1600 range

I am thinking of upgrading my current Vincent PHO-701 hybrid phono stage to something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and still would make a meaningful improvement.

The chain I have now is Rega P8 with Hana SL LOMC cart, the Vincent phono stage, PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium (tube) preamp, McIntosh MC312 (solid state) power amp, and GoldenEar Triton One.R speakers.

My armchair research has identified e.g. the following phono stages in a reasonable $1000 - $1600 (depending on which and demo/used vs. new):

  • KTE LCR-1 MK5 / MK5S (hard to find)
  • MUSIC HALL Analogue A3 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
  • Sutherland Engineering Insight LPS
  • Sutherland TZ VIBE (with its intriguing transimpedance concept)
  • Project Phono Box RS2 MM/MC Phono
  • Hagerman Audio Labs Trumpet MC (many positive reviews, with comments that it would benefit from an updated external power supply which, if so, would add additional $$)

Any recommendations or insights into these, or others in my price range, given my surrounding equipment would be greatly appreciated!

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hoytis
93 posts
 

I may be wrong, but I can’t believe the Project Phono Box would be an audible improvement over the Vincent, which I also own. I agree, it’s not amazing but it still beats out several internals I’ve tried over the years. Overall, I think you might need to bump the budget to get an “upgrade” as opposed to a lateral move. That said, I have a couple friends who swear by the Gold Note PH-10, if you want to kick in a few extra bucks.

I can also say, I currently use the Softone Model4 (http://softone.a.la9.jp/english/Model4/m4-1.htm) which I think is a steal for $650. Sounds a lot better than the Vincent. Single tube stage. Absolutely beautiful with the LOMC. Sometimes increased cost doesn’t equate to better performance.

piebaldpython
61 posts
 

I have a Project and upgraded to an Allnic H-1201 used at your price point and it was a massive upgrade.

soix
9,456 posts
 

Yeah, I was gonna recommend a used Herron VTPH or Allnic H1201 as either should be a substantial upgrade.  Best of luck. 

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