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Help with Pre-Amps

Hi,
I guess you could call me a "audiophile virgin". Don't really know much about all of this stuff and that is why I'm seeking help/discussion. I wanted to really get into this so I went and bought a SOTA Star Sapphire Vacuum Table and I'm in the process of putting on a Rega RB301 Tonearm on it. I have purchased a Promitheus Audio(Nicholas Chua)phono-pre but now I'm to the point of purchasing my first preamp. Seeing as I have a phono-pre already what would be a good choice for a preamp. Should my future preamp have a phono stage as well? Why? More tonal choices or what? Any pre's made by Audio Research that would fit my bill? Is a preamp that does not have a phono stage considered a passive pre? Like I said--audio virgin. Someone please help! Thanks much! Phaseshifter.
phaseshifter
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
TVC passive - great value
Blueberry preamp a bit on the warm side. Phono build in.
Modwright - nice , more on the neutral side.
AR are nice but I can not think of any model from the lower end that I acctuly like. Their recent top dogs are quite impresive though.
Supratek , if you can find it used. But it might not be the best choice if you are not into tube rolling. Its build in phono is of very high quality.

The rest of your system, budget and your preferences should dictate the choice of the preamp that suits you best.

Mariusz
sarcher30
596 posts
 
Phaseshifter.

A preamp that has a phono stage is considered a full funtion preamp. A preamp without a phono section is called a linestage. A passive preamp has no gain of its own and must be matched with a source ie phonostage or cd player with a high gain.

I have no personal experience with a passive preamp but have read they need to be matched carefully with the right source and amps. So they may not be a good first preamp unless you get good advise on what components will work well with them.

Hope this helps.

Would help to know price range to give advise on preamps to listen to.

Sean
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Some pre-amps have great phono stages built in (AR-6 and more). However, most pre's that I've played with have second rate phono stages.
I'd say keep your phono stage. Try different pre-amps. I'd go with one with fewer "gadgets" will probably sound best. You need to first determine what you are looking for: Warmth, detail, tubes, solid state only, remote control...

Also, what cartridge are you using? Nice table and I'd hate to see a $99 cartridge on it. My Sota makes it very easy to tell the difference in cartridges. Also, make sure you set up the weight and tracking properly. That makes the biggest difference of all.
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