2. amps-preamps
  3. 1217282659

Best budget phono preamp for Unison Unico?

Hi,

I was fortunate enough to buy a Unison Unico hybrid integrated amp here on Audiogon at a great price ($800). :-)

I'm driving a set of Totem Arro speakers. And I have a SOTA Sapphire TT currently being refurbished at the SOTA factory.

Since this Unico doesn't have the built in phono stage, I need an outboard unit. When I say "budget," I mean $250 or less, ideally. I was considering the Cambridge unit that goes for $169... the reviews look good. Any other suggestions? I'm not sure whether I'll be using MM or MC in in the tone arm. All I know is that the 20-year-old Audioquest cartridge needs replacing! ;-)

Thanks!
rebbi
elevick
2,638 posts
 
I'm using a cambridge 640 with my sota. Sounds great. Much better than the 540.
Parasound, NAD, Bellari and Goldring are all OK but I prefer the 640.
chashmal
605 posts
 
I second the Musical Surroundings Phonomena. Great open warm sound from an ss phono. Better than you would expect!
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Try to stretch your budget and look towards a used Wright phono pre. They appear here now and then. Unlike anything for 250.00, It is good enough that you won't feel the need to upgrade in the future.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Ncarv,

Yes, I think I'd like a tube phono-stage if I can get one in my price range. The only other one I'm really considering, because the reviews are so good, is the Cambridge 640, as Elevick suggests.

Chashmal... great nick name (kol tuv)! ;-)
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
According to this review, the Parasound ZPhono isn't in the same league with the Cambridge 640P. I have the 640P, and for $169, it's phenomenal. It also keeps your options open, as it does both MM and MC. In the TNT review, the reviewer used an Audio Technica OC9 II LOMC. I use the Cambridge with an Audio Technica AT150MLX II MM (5mV output), and can confirm that it's MM stage is also excellent. I think the AT150MLX and 640P are an excellent match.
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