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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
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.

actusreus OP
733 posts
 
If anybody cares or is curious enough to follow this thread, I have settled on the Camelot Lancelot. Go figure...
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