2. analog
  3. 1241650798

Looking for a phono preamp

As the title implies, I am looking for a phono preamp. My budget is under $200.

I've only recently gotten into hi-fi audio, and this is really my first vinyl experience. My overall system is best described as mid-fi, current specs are listed below:

Amp: NAD C372
Speakers: Sonus Faber Concertino
CD: Technics SL-PD8 5 disc changer
TT: Music Hall MMF5, stock
Cartridge: Shure M97XE

Also, has anyone used the USB-compatible preamps? They look interesting but I'm not sure if they're worth the premium.

And I know the changer is holding me back, so let's focus on the phono preamp.

Thanks,
Dave
d_gryger
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
You are very unlikely to find anything worthwhile at this price. I would wait until I could spend somewhat more. You would probably end up with something you would have to sell at a loss as I doubt it would satisfy you.
hxt1
141 posts
 
Not true, I tried an el cheapo 'tcc' phono pre, and found it to be a step up from the NAD 2 I had previously. Granted, neither of the units is cutting edge, but it gave me enough performance to marginally outshine my cd player. They are about 75 bucks at phonopreamps dot com.

If your'e willing to stretch your budget a bit, the bottlehead seduction is a killer unit, and is ridiculously cheap to boot. good luck and enjoy!
narrod
1,064 posts
 
The Parasound Zphono and the Bellari 129 are good choices. I've used both and feel they each do a credible job for the money. Both can often be bought used and resold if you don't like them or upgrade to something more expensive.

Wendell
More to discover