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!

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xbimmerlover
macg19
916 posts
 

Lot’s of great suggestions here, only chiming in as another GoldNote PH-10 owner. It does require the LPS to get the best out of it but it’s very good and I’ve spoken with several dealers/distributors other than the guy I bought of from who say it’s tough to beat unless you spend double the money.

I would also add I take advantage of its balanced output which I find is quieter and has cleaner, higher output which I don’t think you can leverage with your pre. Not that that should be a deal killer.

 

 

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

@bimmerlover - did you purchase the Moon? Looks like a great choice

perkri
907 posts
 

@katzenjammer27 

 

Off topic with this discussion, but how did you fix the ground loop issue?

 

I built an SP14 and am having ground issues.

 

13 pages of discussion on DIYAudio, and still the hum persists…

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

 

bimmerlover's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
bimmerlover OP
46 posts
 

@kennyc I did, thanks for asking! A Moon 310LP in 9/10 condition for less than $900. Figured that’s not a deal to pass on.

And if for some reason the Moon is not ending up ringing my bell, there are so many other great recommendations in this thread to pursue.

Really impressed and appreciate the high level of knowledge and engagement in this group! Much grateful. 

katzenjammer27
42 posts
 

Perkri,

my system had one amp plugged into an outlet with the pre-amp and the other amp across the room into another outlet. The amp that was across the room was making the 60 Hz cycle sound, pretty loud at pauses between songs. I disconnected from the pre-amp and no buzz. switched channels...you know go through the gambit of isolating the source. The answer was that the power chord is grounded, three prong, so is the other amp and the pre-amp. I bought two converters that eliminate the ground - three prong to two prong and all the buzz went away. I left the pre-amp grounded. Apparently the grounding was traveling through the source cables back to the pre-amp and causing the cycling noise.

Hopefully this helps, but if not Tubes 4 Hifi - Roy Mottram roymottram@yahoo.com can help you nail it down. If it's an amp issue, Joe Servini (think that's his last name) k3tye@earthlink.net is awesome. Had to send my amps to him because I couldn't figure out why they were sounding so lean. Joe went through it and found that the factory coloring on the transformer wires were incorrect and didn't match the instructions from the kit. Amazing it didn't melt down. It's now up and running for a few years and sounds better and better as the caps smooth out. have about 500 hours on it and now issues at all.

good luck, I've heard stories about the ground loop being caused by a coffee maker plugged into a wall outlet in a different room. 

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