2. analog
  3. 1275626331

Phono preamp selection

So my budged dropped to about $1,000 for a preamp, which will be matched with the VPI Classic, Lyra Delos cart and Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum tube amp. The usual suspect and main candidates are:

1. Heed Audio Quasar
2. PS Audio GCPH
3. Sutherland Ph3D
4. Musical Surroundings Nova Phonomena

Heed is the only preamp I can probably audition. I've heard good things about all four, but I am intrigued by the battery powered units, which remove any issues with the power supply. All four pretty much offer as much flexibility as one might need. I find the Nova manual very confusing regarding the gain and load setting, which turned me off to it, but otherwise sounds great. The GCPH modded is apparently absolutely incredible, but it's outside of my price range at the moment. I feel sort of weird about the Sutherland being powered by D-cell batteries.

I'd love to hear your recommendations and opinions. Thank you.
actusreus
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Hey Phil, thanks for a thorough reply. A lot of good information there. One of the problems I had with my previous setup was rumble, even though the system looked good on paper. I bought a KAB rumble filter that took care of the problem. I'm still waiting for my Classic and the Delos so I don't know if the system will need a rumble filter. If it does, anything over 65 dB of gain with a moving coil will apparently overload the KAB, which actually happened to a member here who was using it with the Steelhead. That's one of the reasons I'd prefer something with adjustable gain as the Delos apparently needs less then 60dB of gain. Ideally, I'd like to try all these amp first but it's not realistic. Either way, think we've compiled a nice list here and I want to thank all of those who posted in this thread. Thank you!
213cobra
885 posts
 
>> I'm still waiting for my Classic and the Delos so I don't know if the system will need a rumble filter.<<

Yikes...you'd put a KAB active filter in a moving coil signal chain?

>>the Delos apparently needs less then 60dB of gain<<

Then use the 55db gain position and if you want to alter resistive load, use a DB Systems DBP-6MC passive loading kit.

Anyway, you have a handful of capable phono stages to consider. I'll add that if a Bel Canto Phono1 shows up here, snap it up as an alternative to Jasmine. Also an overachiever. 40/60db gain switchable, with variable loading. One more - The Wright Sound WPP100C has continuously variable gain to something like 63db (can't find the spec offhand), and sounds quite objective, unlike many tube phono preamps. It's a buy on the used market, too.

Phil
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Phil,
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, I would put a filter in the signal chain if I experienced rumble with my setup and couldn't fix it mechanically. I believe, if unaddressed, excessive woofer pumping does more harm to the sound (and equipment) than a good quality subsonic filter. I'm just hoping my new analog front won't be as susceptible to the problem as my previous setup.

I've heard good things about the Wright preamp, but it appears the website has been suspended so I'm not sure what to make of it. Do you know whether he's still in business, or only used units can be had at this point?

Thank you.
213cobra
885 posts
 
George Wright passed away last year. There is no more new Wright Sound product. But you can find the Wpp100C and Wpp200C on the used market, here, from time to time.

You're right to see subsonic woofer excursion as a problem worth avoiding. Best to avoid it at the source rather than via a filter, and if you have to use a filter, use one with more signal headroom.

Phil
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Has anyone had any experience with the Trigon Vanguard 2 phono preamp? It can be upgraded to be powered by a battery unit (Volcano 2), which apparently elevates it to another level. Used could actually fit my budget.

On a different note, I'm sorry to hear about George Wright. It is always very sad to hear about such a loss, in addition to the personal tragedy his family experienced. RIP George.

More to discover