Best phono pre amp for Lyra Helikon


I am at the stage where TT/tonearm/cartridge have been decided and almost procured and am ready to select Phono preamp. What is the best match for this cartridge? My main premap and Amps are Classe. Will the tubed phono would be desirable?

Few that I myself considering is Art Audio, EAR, Manley Steelhead or Tom evans Groove (These are also the ones that gets sold quickly here at Agon. May be that is one indication ;-)) But any advice would be welcome.

The TT/Tone Arm is La Luce by SPJ.

Thx in advance.
nilthepill
I'm using the Helikon and a standard BAT VKP10, with cartridge loaded at 100R. Sounds great and the BAT can be acquired inexpensively in the used market.

Dave
There is a used Herron Audio VTPH-1MC on Agon for $2,099. I have had a VTPH-1MC since 1999 and have been very happy with mine. Just had it upgraded at the factory to the latest revision.

The Herron is FET/Tube hybrid so you get the best of solid state and tubes - neutral, realistic - with 66dB of gain.
Nilthepill: First I would like to know the model of your Classe preamp.
Second, I canĀ“t understand why you already put a 2-4K budget for your phonopreamp that you want to match to your analog rig that it is in the 15-18K when the phonopreamp is the most important/critical link on the analog chain.

For you can really know why you already invested those 15-18K on your analog rig you have to have a really good phono/line preamp ( integrated if you find it ) and in my opinion you can't really do it between that budget range.

Now, I think that your today analog rig is a very good one and if you have it is because you really care about the quality music sound reproduction, right?. That's why you need that " non budget " phono-line preamp.

Of course, you can buy what you decide in your budget. No problem it is only an opinion.

+++++ " I am looking for realistic lively sound on neutral side. " +++++

Your priorities preclude the use of tube electronics, I think that you can be right on target with SS electronics.

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.
Raul,
The Classe pre-amp I have is CP-45 that works great for my CD source. It has phono board, but I have found a not a great one. The Phono I have for upstairs small system is Jadis DPMC and it is dream in that system (Jadis Orchestra Ref,Dunlavy IV, JD3 cd player). I should pobably try out the DPMC in my main system when I get the La Luce to check How tubed phono inteacts with solid state. I am so happy with DPMC that that is wants me think tubed phono for downstairs system.

I don't quite get what you are trying say in the last 4 paras. Are you saying that I should be getting solid state phono and that budget may not be enough?? Thanks.
Dear Nilthepill: +++++ " Are you saying that I should be getting solid state phono and that budget may not be enough?? " +++++

Yes, at least for do justice to your analog rig.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.