Want to get into Analog but i do not have a preamp

Btstrg, I have yet to hear a cd player sound better without a preamp. You will need an equal performing pre, which may kill your budget, but what's new. I can't wait for you to hear what you've been missing with the Aries. Any double digit ARC LS piece should work. Krell has been using great volume controls for ten years, that would work too. Hurry! Z.

I guess part of this will depend on what is "NOT very expensive"... I will make a quick assumption at the "less than $1000" mark and go from there (a little over that price, the number of possibilities of "good" rises quite quickly when considering used equipment).

One way to get into a great preamp with phono stage built-in would probably be to buy an older AudioResearch (SP-6, -8, -10, -11), Conrad Johnson, or Counterpoint (SA-3 or SA-5 series) preamp. You'll get a more-than-respectable preamp with decent gain and a phono stage to boot. You should check before buying any of these whether the phono stage can handle low-output MC cartridges. Some likely won't (and therefore will need a step-up). More recent possibilities might include Audible Illusions Modulus or a VTL 2.5 with phono board. All of these should be less than $1k used.

Another possibility, and one which I have never heard but have read about quite a few Agoners' and Asylum inmates' experiences with is the WrightSound WPP200C phono stage with volume pots. You can buy new, direct from the mfr, for something on the order of $850. You might find one used. I might also dig around archives of the AudioAsylum Vinyl board. Lots of interesting commentary there too.

Even cheaper (for the soldering DIYer) might be the Bottlehead Seduction phono pre with some volume pots attached.

Disclaimer in the interests of full disclosure: I own none of these, have bought none of these, nor have any relation to anyone selling any of these, though I have listened to several (and would love to try my hand at DIY-ing).

Ear 834 or 88 with volume control.

Do you still have the placette? If not that's too bad. In my opinion you can't skimp on a preamp. I am a CAT lover. There is one available at http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1159761267

This one also has the built in phono pre. At the level of system you have I think this is a good choice. The built in phono section is very good. I do not know the person selling this. I do own this preamp. I have owned various Krell (including the KCT which in mt opinion is not very good), McIntosh and Canary preamps. The CAT is my favorite. The Canary 903 was also very good. You can pick up a Canary for a good price.

GOOD LUCK and enjoy the music.

I have an Aragon 47K. This phono amp has a separate power supply and can be set up for MC or MM. I went to a very expensive tube pre-amp. I have the original box and manual. I ran this straight into my amp using stepped attenuators. If you are interested you can have the amp and attenuators for $315.00 and if you don't like the amp you send it back and I will refund your money.