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phono pre amp giant killer?

I'm in the market for a used phono pre amp. I'm considering the pro-ject tube box II and the clear audio nano (because of some positive reviews and the fact that I use a Clear audio Vertuoso Wood Cartridge). My question is how much do you need to spend on a used phono pre amp in order to get to the level of truly top flight performance? My budget was going to be 350 but that may change with this thread.

thanks
andy
andyth
hxt1
141 posts
 
Tbone, I'm looking for a step or two up in performance over the seduction as well as waf. I love the seduction, but I am ready to upgrade and I'm thinking minimax or cornet.
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
I've never had or heard a Cornet. I've owned the MM but long before the Seduction. I'd say quality is quite close to par between the two. MM uses 12AX7s which tend to have a bit more tone than the 6922 family, which some prefer as 'faster'. The MM has step-ups which is a big boon if you're going LOMC but a waste if you're not.

Both units are dead silent, extended, with correct tone & timbre. It would take a side-by-side to say more.

And, yes, people do all kinds of creative things with Bottlehead chassis; the sky's the limit.
andyth OP
31 posts
 
Thanks to all for the posting. I decided to go with the Seduction with the c4s upgrade. Any Tube rolling advice for this setup?

Thank again
Andy
hxt1
141 posts
 
Hey andy! Good choice, you won't be disappointed! I have some nos tesla tubes, and some amperex holland orange print tubes. The amperex are magical in my setup.
toufu
83 posts
 
If you just need MM, then check out the Yaqin MS-12B, change out the horrible tubes for some NOS and you will be rocking in no time.
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