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Phono stage for Benz Wood H2

Hi there,

I have a Benz woodbody H2 that I have mounted to a VPI Scout and was wondering what anyone thought would be an appropriate phono stage to matchup with this cart that wouldnt break the bank. Currently I have a NAD PP-2 that I am sure isnt doing this tt/cart combo any justice. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!
abruceaudino
piedpiper
753 posts
 
The new battery powered Musical surroundings Nova Phonomena is great for $1K, a bit under the price of the EAR.
abruceaudino OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I will probably look for something on the marketplace here. Any suggestions around the $500 used range? I read somewhere that Cary makes a good pre to match the Benz Hi-Output MC.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
It's called the PH 1 DJH under their Audio Electronics brand. It has 36 dB of gain so you might need to be a bit forgiving of noise with the Benz which has a 2.5mV output at 3.54@cm/sec. Not a bad choice though.
kublakhan
717 posts
 
What about a Benz Micro PP-1 phono stage? It's beautiful and very small and around $1k new. I think i've seen them from around $600 used. Works perfectly with Benz carts.
abruceaudino OP
19 posts
 
I was wondering if someone could educate me on the importance of gain in the pre-amp. What would be an optimal level of gain to look for?
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