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Budget LOMC preamp recommendations needed

I need a good phono preamp to handle LOMC. By cheap I mean $800 or less. I currently have a Dynavector DV20XL2 and use a Phonomena II with it. I'm just not getting along with it (and I've goofed with loading ad nauseum and the Dyna is set up as well as it could be). Upgrading my amplification recently convinced me that the Phonomena II isn't good synergy with the Dyna. I'm sure the P75 will get thrown out but what else have you heard and liked? I'm wanting something very laid back, which is exactly what the Phonomena II isn't.
greg7
armstrod
617 posts
 
I really like my Jolida JD9, especially after upgrading the opamps. Plenty of gain for LOMC. You can tube roll to change the sound a bit. Lots of loading options.

David
frogman
7,478 posts
 
The Jolida is amazing for the money, but while "laid back"
means different things to different sets of ears, that is not how I would
describe its sound. Compared to my EAR phono stage I found it to be
VERY energetic and aggressive sounding. In that price range I would look
for a Threshold fet10 or an older full function pre with excellent phono
stage like a Meitner PA6, and if you have to use your current line stage,
use only its phono section. Good luck
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I use the Jasmine LP 2 (about $500) in my second system and substituted the output caps for Jantzen Superior Z caps. Fantastic phono-pre for this kind of money. I just got the Ortofon MC 2000 with 0.05 mV output. No problems of any kind with the Jasmine.
frogman
7,478 posts
 
Nice to see you posting again, Nandric. Greg7 I would take Nandric's recommendation very seriously.
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
664 posts
 
Ray Samuels Audio F-117 Nighthawk.
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