2. amps-preamps
  3. 1218557420

Need phono pre amp recommendations

I am looking at getting into Vinyl for the first time and need a phono preamp. My total budget is 1500.00 I know that isn't much

I have a budgeted 700.00 to 900.00 for the pre-amp and 600.00 for the table. I am looking for opinions on both pre and table

I have looked at a older Audio Research SP-14 and SP -9 I can afford the 9 but the 14 is a little past my budget.

I also looked at an older Counterpoint SA-3000 with no mods at EBay but it is also I think a little high of 1000.00 especially with no mods done.

Any comments on these models pro's and cons and any other recommendations that I should be looking at.

The tables I am looking at are Rega P3/24 turntable with Elys 2 cartridge
Technics SL 1200 mk2 or TECHNICS SL-1210M5G

I will be hooking this up to Wolcott tube Mono's

Thanks for any help.
btstrg
mantisory
95 posts
 
personally, i'd spend a few more dollars on the turntable/arm/cartridge and buy a cheaper phono stage (like a pro-ject tube or lehmann at ~3-5 hundred)...at 1000-1200 your table options really open up (Better rega, clearaudio emotion, linn, nottingham, etc, depends what flavour you want)
You'll be much further ahead IMO.
B
btstrg OP
185 posts
 
I should have said I am looking for a pre amp with a phono section already built in. Not a phono pre as I don't have a pre amp in my system now I run my cdp direct.
Thanks
clio09
3,360 posts
 
A Music Reference RM-5 is an option I would look at in your price range if you would consider used components. Typically sell for under $600 but get snatched up fast. The phono stage is quite good, but MM only. You could easily add a step-up for MC for under $300.

The Audio Mirror PP1 MM/MC is another option. A friend of mine bought one for $799 new, but I think the price has gone up since then. Worth investigating though. They come up used as well.
Post removed 
musicslug
430 posts
 
the earlier models of Audible Illusions modulus have a nice phono section and go cheap - also MM only I believe
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