Phono preamp for a Denon 103R cartridge.
Hi all. After picking up a new cartridge, and moving the upstairs stereo to a different room, I began to think about where to take the next step with that system. I'm not going to digitize my vinyl. I am just going to savor it, without collecting too many more LPs. Theoretically. But I'd like to best the ProJect DS2 Phono Box USB, if possible. For under $1500, with lower being favored rather "stretching" for an $1800 item. I just don't think my collection or systems warrant such a leap.
The table is a Denon DP 3000NE. The preamp is a Pass X2.5, and I'll use the low gain setting. I'm mildly interested in a phono pre that has XLR output, but it's not crucial. I'm most interested in what might go well with this cartridge primarily.
This morning I'm leaning toward a JC3 Jr, and on other days I have wondered about a Hagerman, but six tubes will mean spending a bit more. A Sutherland. perhaps? Or something with front panel adjustments?
Thanks for your consideration.
I own a 103R and really liked it with the E.A.T. E-Glo Petit. It has plenty of gain, gives you the ability to roll the 12AX7s, front (actually top) panel controls for easy loading changes, and really quiet. I've owned a number of under $500 solid state phono preamps, and while they were all competent there was a very audible difference as I moved up the chain. |
I appreciate the Sutherland recommendations. KC would allow switching among all cartridges, but the TZ is specific to low output MC. KCs seem readily available. Lounge seems to have op-amps, and I might prefer discrete. theflattire, I have an MP7 in a different system, as an MM only phono pre. I know that there are newer models without an SUT requirement for MC cartridges. I'd recommend it as well, and I'm using it with a 2M Black. It's a keeper. inagroove, the Zesto does seem to be pretty adjustable. A nice one sold recently. I appreciate that the 103Rs may have led you there. armstrod, I do like the ability to roll 12AX7s. I have multiple pairs and some familiarity as a result. The Aric Audio Unlimited II uses them as well. danmar123, that piece is a work of art. I don't know anything about it. I'm going off to read some reviews on these suggestions. I've used a Parks Puffin, and enjoyed the adjustability and tweak potential. I wonder about picking one up again, used. I replaced it with the Darlington, which has been a keeper. Thanks to all for the recommendations so far. What appeals to me about this particular cartridge is the product lifetime, and the fact that there's an aftermarket if you'd like to go further, rather than add another cartridge to the collection.
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@zarf I have 2 - 103-r's in my stash. 1 is a VAS upgrade & the other is original. Both are setup for my EMT 948 & it has its's own preamp card. Before the EMT, I was bouncing around the idea for my Technics & read a lot of reviews of the AU-103 SUT matching the 103-R. I'll be watching! |
