Recommendations for a phono stage: Gold Note turntable w/ MC cartridge to ARi50.


I'm seeking some suggestions for a phono preamp to connect a Gold Note Giglio turntable w/ Donatello Red MC cartridge to an Audio Research i50 amplifier. ARC has a phono stage module for I think 750 -1000 but I don't listen to much vinyl and don't really want to spend that much. I'm looking to spend approx $500. Any thoughts on this from the members are greatly appreciated.

maholl50

At that price level I’d think the ARC module might be your best bet from a price/performance perspective.  If that’s too rich maybe something like the Lehmann Black Cube or a Cambridge Audio phono pre is worth a look.  Best of luck.