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Phono preamp suggestions

Does anyone have any experience with any of the following phono preamps:

CEC PH53
Creek OBH-15
Musical Fidelity X-LP
Primare R-20
Pro-ject Tube Box SE II

I'm looking to buy a phono preamp second hand for use with a Pro-ject 6Perspex. The models I listed are all available used where I am (Japan).

For the cartridge I was thinking of either audio technica AT33EV or Ortofon Rondo Red, or an MM cartridge in a similar price range (Ortofon 2M black or bronze?). Frankly, I have no idea what kind of difference to expect between MC and MM, except perhaps that not all the preamps I listed will work as well with MC. (I am not interested in getting a separate step-up transformer.)
ahochan
miner42
709 posts
 
While I was shopping for a phono stage I was looking at most of the models you have listed but I decided to go with a Graham Slee Era Gold Mk V. One reason I did is becuase my dealer allowed me to take it home to demo before buying. I was looking at both tube and SS, too. I initially was interested in both a MM & MC capable stage; the Era Gold is MM & HO MC only. My cartridge is a HO Dynavector DV 20X. I am thrilled iwth the outcome especially compared to the onboard phono stage on my preamp.

Part of the magic is matching your phono stage to your cartridge which is where a reputable dealer comes into play. Let you ears make the decision for you. Best of luck.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
The Pro-ject Tube Box SE II got an excellent review from HIFICRITIC, placing ahead of ones costing several times its price. I use the Dynavector 75, which is in the same price range and is extremely good.
ahochan OP
10 posts
 
It seems that neither Sim Audio nor Graham Slee are available here in Japan.

I heard the 6perspex with a denon mc cartridge and the tube box ii se in a shop the other day, and it sounded very nice. Unless someone can put in a good word for any of the other options I listed, I guess that is my safest option at this point (my budget will be busted unless I get the preamp second hand)
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
The Project one is fine, but for a much lower price you can get a Bellari VP129 that will better it (particularly in resolution of instrumental and vocal timbres), but it is MM only. It is almost always listed here for under $200, sometimes for much less than that. I would not go with the CEC, unless you want a really bright sound. Haven't heard the others on your list.
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