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Advice Needed on Mono Phono Preamps

I am in the process of putting together a system for playback of mono LPs and 78s. My intent is to use the phono preamp with the line stage of my existing preamp. The only "current" production mono phono preamps with selectable EQ curves that I have been able to identify are (1) the Sentec EQ-10, (2) the KAB EQS MK12, and (3) the Graham Sell Jazz Club. I am impatiently awaiting Art Dudley's anticipated review of the Sentec and KAB, but in the meantime...

For anyone who has experience listening to any/all of these or others, I would appreciate any guidance on the followig:

1. Have I missed anything that I should be considering?
2. Are there vintage mono phono preamps that should also be considered for this purpose?
3. Is a step up necessary with low output carts for any/all of these?

Thanks very much for any help.
jeffreybowman2k
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uru975
684 posts
 
Getting a good phono stage with a mono switch is also an option, at least for 1957 or so on recordings.
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
The Zanden Model 1100 is a dedicated mono-only phono pre. I do not know if it is still a 'current model' - my understanding was that a new one was on its way. I have not seen many others out there (disclosure: I have one - don't use it much but I found it used and really really wanted to try it). I love the phono's sound - lush but not overbearingly so - and quieter than 'lush' usually is. I have no complaints whatsoever. It has double selector knob/switches so rather than choosing among curves, one builds the curves by selecting turnover frequency and roll-off levels (there is a link to an image on the page previously linked). Note: it also uses a different circuit than normal for equalization - one which makes fixed impedance - if that matters.
br3098
997 posts
 
T bone,

Thanks for the information re: the Zanden mono phono stage. At first glance, this seemed to be exactly what I have been looking for to play a my collection of mono classical LPs from the 50s. But the pricing - ouch! Do you have another suggestion for a unit that is not made from the rare element unobtanium?
t_bone
1,182 posts
 
Hagerman has in the past made one but I don't see them on the site anymore. You might contact him and ask him.

If you are at all willing to DIY, I am sure this has been done before as modifications to any number of standard phono stage kits.
pryso
1,939 posts
 
A few cautions - First, most American labels adopted the RIAA curve by 1955 but not all, and some eastern European and Asian companies not until the '70s. Therefore selectable EQ may benefit a good number of older LPs. Second, many different EQs were used by different LP labels so a phono stage or preamp with only 2-3 variations to the RIAA standard might not be all that helpful, and even more were utilized for 78s. Third, cartridge design (stereo/mono), stylus shape and tip size should be considered for both older LPs and 78s. Here is a link to the best summary I've found (check the sub-links for detailed EQ info) -

http://geocities.com/midimagic@sbcglobal.net/mixphono.htm

Art Dudley has been exploring this subject in recent reviews in Stereophile. Here are a couple more options for selectable EQ -

http://www.esotericsound.com/elect.htm
http://www.vadlyd.dk/English/RIAA_and_78_RPM_preamp.html

Looks like a bit more research is called for on your part Jeff.
Good luck.
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