need info on phono pre......... CHEAP


Hi all,
I am in need of a good entry level phono stage as my pre-amp is only line level, it will be paired up with a somewhat modest table and a Clear Audio Aurum Beta S cartridge, I was looking into the Bellari tube unit, or the NAD, or used cheap options. My financial situation limits my ability to purchase moderate priced options but all the same I would hope that acceptable performance could be found without a high investment, any help would be appreciated....thanks Chad
chadnliz
If you're comfortable with a soldering iron, you can build a Hagerman Bugle for about $60:

http://www.hagtech.com/bugle.html

The half-kit includes a very nice circuit board and easy instructions. I got Texas Instruments to sample me a couple different kinds of op-amps so I could experiment. It sounds great and since it's battery operated, dead silent even at 60dB. I've heard the NAD PP-2 and liked the Bugle better, especially since I can adjust the gain in small increments.
The Musical Fidelity X-LPS phono amp can be had used for $200-300. New it's $400. Why not give it a listen?
thanks alot guys, a few great ideas for me to ponder for sure...you guys always are great!
Check out the Bellari at 199 at the Needle Doctor..it has a nice little tube to give you some tube sound..supposedly excellent for the price